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EPA’s Market Share for Energy Star Qualified Homes Reaches 25 Percent

Release Date: 09/20/2011
Contact Information: Molly Hooven, [email protected], 202-564-2313, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that 25 percent of all single-family homes built nationally in 2010 earned EPA’s Energy Star, up from 21 percent in 2009. In partnership with its stakeholders, EPA continues to help American home buyers invest in high performing homes that save money on their utility bills and help protect the environment. Since 1995 approximately 1.2 million new homes have earned EPA’s Energy Star, representing savings of nearly $350 million on utility bills while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 450,000 vehicles.

“New homes that earn EPA’s Energy Star seal of approval rise above the competition by offering a better quality and value while allowing homeowners to do their part to keep our communities clean,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy. “With Energy Star's energy-efficient homes, homeowners will cut down on electric bills and emissions to keep our air cleaner and our communities healthier. Reaching this impressive market share milestone for Energy Star qualified homes is an accomplishment for American home buyers and builders and a step in the right direction to better protecting the environment through sustainable living."

In 2010, more than 108,000 single-family homes earned the Energy Star across the nation and sixteen states had a market share of 25 percent or higher Energy Star qualified homes. These states include Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.

Homes earn the Energy Star by meeting strict energy-efficiency requirements set by EPA, including:

· Effective insulation systems
· High-performance windows
· Quality construction to reduce leaks and drafts
· Efficient heating and cooling equipment
· Energy Star qualified lighting and appliances