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EPA Recognizes Philadelphia’s First Commercial Building to Earn EnergyStar Label - Ten Penn Center is one of four buildings owned by the Rubenstein Co. to earn EnergyStar label

Release Date: 10/15/2003
Contact Information: Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today is recognizing the Rubenstein Company of Philadelphia for air pollution reductions equivalent to taking 980 cars off the road annually through its participation in the Energy Star program.

“By partnering with EPA, building owners like the Rubenstein Company are realizing that they can reduce energy costs by 40 percent without sacrificing comfort or tenant satisfaction,” said EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh. “The EPA is pleased to recognize the environmental leadership and energy efficiency accomplishments of The Rubenstein Company.”

Four buildings owned by Rubenstein are being recognized today by the EPA. Ten Penn Center, 1801 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa., and three Rubenstein buildings in Pittsburgh – Parkway Center Buildings 1, 9 and 10 – have all earned the EnergyStar label.

All four buildings combined will save 9,804,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 16,339,000 grams of nitrogen oxide and 37,907,000 grams of sulphur dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually. These reductions are equivalent to planting 1,344 acres of trees annually, or powering 654 American homes annually.

When fossil fuels like coal, oil or natural gas are burned to generate electricity, emissions such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released into the environment. These emissions contribute to smog and acid rain. Energy-efficient technologies reduce the amount of energy needed to power a building, resulting in cleaner air.

Energy Star was introduced by U. S. EPA in 1991 as a voluntary, market-based partnership program aimed at reducing air pollution by promoting energy-efficient building upgrades. The program offers businesses and consumers specific solutions to save energy and money, and help protect the environment for future generations. Participants convert to energy-efficient technology to reduce energy usage. More than 7,000 organizations have become Energy Star Partners and have committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.

In order to earn the Energy Star label, office buildings must meet specific energy performance and indoor air quality requirements and have this information certified by a professional engineer. Office buildings that earn the Energy Star label typically use about 40 percent less energy than average buildings, with no compromise in comfort.

For more information on Energy Star buildings partnership and how to prevent pollution through energy efficient, visit EPA’s website at www.energystar.gov. Or call Region III’s Energy Star program manager Mindee Osno at 215-814-2074.