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EPA ADMINISTRATOR WHITMAN ANNOUNCES 729 OF THE NATION’S TOP ENERGY PERFORMING BUILDINGS

Release Date: 03/21/2002
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Environmental News

EPA Administrator Christie Whitman today announced the top energy performing buildings in America. These office and school buildings have earned the Energy Star® and use about 40 percent less energy than average buildings, with no compromise in comfort. Since 1999, these buildings have saved $134 million in energy costs and emitted 1.9 billion fewer pounds of carbon dioxide, the chief global warming gas, than average buildings.

“Americans across the country can now work, shop, and go to school in buildings that are stars in energy

performance,” said Whitman. “By making a commitment to superior energy performance, owners and managers are making these buildings a testament to improving our environment and their own bottom line.”

Buildings qualify for Energy Star by earning a score of 75 or higher on a 100-point national energy

performance rating scale, which compares buildings across America with others of similar characteristics. These buildings must also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality, as verified by a professional engineer.

The 729 awards went to many different types of buildings, representing many sectors of the economy. These buildings can be found in over 40 states, with California, Texas and Colorado each having over 50 Energy Star labeled buildings. Among the top performing buildings are 122 owned and occupied by large commercial institutions, from telecommunications firms to healthcare institutions and supermarkets; 204 of them are properties owned by commercial real estate organizations and leased to commercial tenants; 287 are public schools; and 116 are federal government facilities.

Energy Star partners have made the commitment to join the program by improving the energy and

financial performance of their buildings, labeling their energy efficient homes and raising customer awareness of Energy Star. Many of these partners have buildings found among the top 729.

Energy Star is a voluntary partnership between business, government and others united to protect our environment for future generations by changing to energy-efficient practices today. Businesses can use Energy Star to improve efficiency, enhance profits and create a competitive advantage. Last year alone, Energy Star helped businesses and consumers save more than $5 billion in energy costs while reducing global warming emissions equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road.


As part of his Energy Plan, President Bush called for an expansion of the Energy Star program. The EPA has been working to expand the program to include additional buildings and products such as grocery stores, health care facilities and ceiling fans. In addition, last fall the agency launched a public awareness campaign to educate more Americans about their choices in saving energy and money.

For more information about ENERGY STAR and the 729 buildings, contact Cindy Jacobs at 202-564-1129 or go to http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.

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