Los Angeles Tops List Of Cities With Most Energy Efficient Buildings
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles has topped the list of cities with the highest number of energy efficient buildings for the sixth year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's annual report, released Thursday.
The economic and environmental benefits, achieved by facility owners and managers when they apply a proven approach to energy efficiency to their buildings, are recognized for the 25 cities on the list.
Los Angeles ranks first with over 443 Energy Star buildings, with San Diego coming in 15th with 123 buildings, and Riverside came in 22nd place with 75 buildings.
In Southern California, over 641 Energy Star-certified greenhouse gas emissions that are equal to emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 55,100 homes, according to the EPA.
"Not only are the Energy Star top 25 cities saving money on energy costs and increasing energy efficiency, but they are promoting public health by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from commercial buildings," EPA administrator Gina McCarthy said. "Every city has an important role to play in reducing emissions and carbon pollution, and increasing energy efficiency to combat the impacts of our changing climate."
Energy use from commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion each year.
The agency says that Energy Star office buildings, meanwhile, cost 50 cents less per square foot to operate than average office buildings and use nearly two times less energy per square foot.
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)