Most Energy Efficient Buildings in US Recognized
Earth Vision News
March 29, 2000
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2000 - One hundred of the most energy efficient office buildings in the US received the first Energy Star label for buildings yesterday in New York City.Through Energy Star programs, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) are offering innovative ways for commercial and industrial property owners and managers to improve energy performance, reduce pollution and significantly improve their bottom line. The awards were a joint presentation from both federal agencies.
"The Clinton-Gore Administration believes that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand," EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner said, "and every one of the buildings on today's list demonstrates that energy efficiency is good for the environment and good for business."
"The federal government is embracing the Energy Star Buildings program," added Deputy Secretary of Energy T. J. Glauthier. "Eighteen of the 100 buildings we are honoring today are federal buildings, reflecting a strong move by the federal government to upgrade its buildings and earn the Energy Star label."
A recent study of participants in the Energy Star program found that energy-efficient lighting upgrades in 1,200 businesses increased their total net worth by $2.5 billion. Half the upgrades paid for themselves through reduced energy costs in an average of less than three and a half years. Additionally, EPA estimates that if all commercial and industrial building owners implemented Energy Star Buildings, they would yield pollution reductions equivalent to those that would be produced by taking 25 million cars off the road.
Yesterday's ceremony, jointly organized by EPA, DOE, and the Real Estate Roundtable, is a collaboration between the federal government and senior members of the real estate community. Douglas Durst, President of the Durst Organization, hosted the event at his Four Times Square Building, which has been cited by many well known environmental organizations for its state-of-the-art energy efficient features. The Real Estate Roundtable actively involves America's leading public and private real estate owners, advisors, builders, investors, lenders and managers on key tax, capital and credit, environmental and technology issues in Washington.
According to EPA, some of the buildings recognized were engineered and constructed with energy efficiency in mind, while others achieved energy efficiency through renovations such as investments in energy-efficient lighting, machinery, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment.
In 1998, EPA and DOE unveiled the Energy Star label for buildings to recognize and promote excellence in strategic energy management, smart business practices, and environmental responsibility. Today, EPA puts the number of companies and public and private organizations that have committed to improving their overall energy management by linking up with Energy Star at nearly 5,500 companies. Their buildings represent 15 percent of all US commercial and industrial building space. Building managers can use EPA and DOE's unique online bench marking tool to compare the energy use of their buildings with others in the market. Buildings scoring 75 or better on the 100-point scale are eligible to receive the Energy Star label.
For further information on the Energy Star label for buildings call Sol Salinas at 202-564-9420 (e-mail: salinas.sol@epa.gov) or visit the website below.