Categories: EnergyPhilly

Philly #9 City with Most Energy Star Buildings!

Philadelphia can brag about another top 10 list – this time, with energy efficient buildings.

Philly is #9 of ENERGY STAR buildings! Philly has entered the top 10 list for the first time.

Philadelphia #9 City with ENERGY STAR Buildings

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 6th annual list of metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2013. Entering the list for the first time, Philly falls after #1 LA, Washington DC, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas & Denver, respectively. Houston surprisingly rounds out the list at #10. Almost 7000 buildings qualified for ENERGY STAR certification in 2013, saving $1.4 billion.

Philly was also noted for its green roofs on buildings like PECO. Other ENERGY STAR certified buildings in Philly include the Cira Center, Aramark Tower, Mercy Philadelphia Hospital, One Penn Center and 2401 Walnut, home to City CoHo, the sustainable co-working space. Energy efficiency of buildings is part of Mayor Nutter’s Greenworks Philadelphia plan.

Commercial buildings account for 20% of America’s energy use & greenhouse gas emissions, costing $100 billion annually. A program started in 1992 by the EPA, ENERGY STAR (Editor’s note: Proper use is all caps, my Caps Lock key isn’t stuck) buildings are qualified by an independent test, performing in the top 25% of similar buildings nationwide with energy efficiency. Building types qualified in the rankings include office, K-12 schools, hotels & retail stores.

 

Readers, what do you think of Philly’s rankings?

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

6 minutes ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

6 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

7 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago