Neel Mehta
Causes are always more effective when lead by example. In an effort to reduce energy consumption, cost and harmful emissions, Washington, D.C., is leading the country in energy efficient and sustainable buildings.
For the second year in a row, the D.C. metro area ranked second on the Environmental Protection Agency“™s 2010 list of cities with the most ENERGY STAR-certified buildings.
“The greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area has emerged as a national leader in the realm of energy efficiency and renewable energy,“ said EPA“™s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “I encourage communities across the Mid-Atlantic to follow their example, and enjoy the immediate cost savings that result from more efficient use of energy in commercial buildings.”
Of the 6,200 ENERGY STAR certified commercial buildings in the U.S., 114 are in the metro. EPA estimates ENERGY STAR certified buildings increased 60 percent in 2010 from 2009.
ENERGY STAR certification recognizes building designs that implement energy efficient processes. It must use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than typical buildings.
According to EPA, 50 percent of U.S. greenhouse emissions come from commercial and industrial buildings. Commercial and industrial facilities also account for almost half of America“™s energy consumption with a staggering cost of $200 billion a year.
Boeing recently announced EPA recognized the company as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.
