D.C is new leader of energy-efficient buildings

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), D.C. is leader in energy-efficient certified buildings. This is the first time since 2009 that Los Angeles, CA has been knocked out of the top spot.

480 of D.C.'s buildings qualified as ENERGY STAR efficient. The city is also the nation's leader for the top number of LEED certified projects.

D.C. buildings account for 75 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions {What category do DC buildings contribute 75% to? Right now it sort of reads like DC accounts for 75% of the world's emissions. Also is 75% a good number or a bad one?}. Its top place on the EPA list proves the capital's commitment and interest in curbing the human carbon footprint.

According to the D.C. Department of the Environment, "The District was the first in the country to pass a law requiring large private buildings to annually measure and report energy and water performance for public disclosure."

The top 10 metro areas for 2015 are:

  1. Washington, D.C. 
  2. Los Angeles, California
  3. Atlanta, Georgia,
  4. New York, New York
  5. San Francisco, California 
  6. Chicago, Illinois
  7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  8. Houston, Texas
  9. Denver, Colorado
  10. Boston, Massachusetts

According to ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $30 billion on utility bills in 2013. More than 40 percent of the commercial business market is ENERGY STAR certified. It has prevented the equivalent of 5 million home's electricity usage and overall emission footprint.

In order to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, a building must be in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide. More than 30 types of facilities can be ENERGY STAR approved. To learn more about this certification, check out its website.

Alban inspectors are certified and experienced in energy audit and home energy efficiency. If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint or decreasing household bill totals, schedule a consultation today. Alban also has numerous home inspection services and a range of audit choices.