Three of Texas’ major metropolitan areas are embracing energy efficiency to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting EPA’s Energy Star requirements. Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston jointly have over 500 buildings with Energy Star certifications—saving a combined $145 million. 

“Energy Star certified buildings are leading the way by advancing energy efficiency and making cost-saving improvements,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “These smart, innovative solutions and commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions are ideal business decisions.”

More than 25,000 buildings across America have earned EPA’s Energy Star certification since 1999. The buildings have saved nearly $3.4 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of nearly 2.4 million homes. 

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Energy Star certified buildings are verified to perform better than 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide, and they use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer emissions than typical buildings. Many common building types can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores. 

Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20 years, people across America have looked to EPA’s Energy Star program for guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. 

Energy Star is the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov. 

More on the 2015 top cities: www.energystar.gov/topcities

Search for Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildinglist  More about earning the Energy Star label for commercial buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildingcertification