Energy Star announces 2005 results

Protecting the environment is gaining ground, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conferred its Energy Star status on more than 2,500 U.S. buildings in 2005. The government-backed Energy Star program recognizes superior energy and environmental performance. According to an EPA news release, the Energy Star buildings represent 482 million square feet, saving an estimated $349 million each year in energy bills, while meeting industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality.

The buildings are preventing 1.8 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to emissions from 540,000 vehicles.

Commercial buildings account for more than 17 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star-qualified buildings generally use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings. Building owners earn the Energy Star by scoring in the top 25 percent on EPA’s energy performance rating system, with scores based on actual energy use.

With the help of Energy Star, Americans in 2004 saved $10 billion and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 20 million cars.