资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

These buildings reduce millions of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Cities in the U.S. are being recognized for their ENERGY STAR buildings.

According to a press release, last week, the EPA announced the top cities with the most ENERGY STAR buildings. More than 39,000 buildings in the US are ENERGY STAR certified and save more than 22 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

To be classified as an ENERGY STAR building, commercial buildings must achieve an ENERGY STAR score, which is calculated on characteristics such as energy use and hours of operation, of 75 or higher. These ranks include both commercial and multifamily buildings.

Los Angeles placed top this year and last. Close behind was Washington DC with 498 buildings. Atlanta claimed third, with San Francisco claiming fourth, down from the previous year. Dallas placed fifth, with 286 buildings, rising in the ranks from eighth the year prior.

According to the EPA, the top five mid-sized cities in 2021 were San Jose, California, Provo, Utah, Raleigh, North Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The top five small cities were Jackon, Michigan, San Angelo, Texas, Sioux City, Iowa, Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Carson City, Nevada.

“We’ve led the country in clean buildings year after year because we know the importance of giving building owners the tools to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in the press release. “Buildings are not just Los Angeles’ largest source of climate pollution – they’re one of our greatest opportunities to show the world that climate action and economic opportunity go hand in hand. We know the real work still lies ahead, so we’ll keep doing our part to realize our promise of reduced emissions, healthier communities, and more inclusive economies.”

Photo credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com