Indianapolis Makes EPA’s List of Top 25 Cities With The Most ENERGY STAR Labeled Buildings in 2009

For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks the Indianapolis metropolitan area in the top 25 cities with the most ENERGY STAR labeled buildings. Buildings that have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR perform in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide. Indianapolis ranks 23^rd out of the top 25 cities in 2009.

“We as a city should be very proud that the EPA is recognizing Indianapolis as a leader in Energy Star buildings,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “This recognition underscores the commitment of building owners and operators to become more energy-efficient in how they manage buildings as well as their commitment to reducing their energy consumption and improving our local environment.”

Buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Indianapolis counts 39 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings within its greater metropolitan area. By strategically managing energy use and by making cost-effective improvements to their buildings, the organizations that own and operate these buildings have prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use from 6,113 households for a year, or a savings of $4.9 million. A list of Indianapolis Energy Star buildings is available online at www.sustainindy.org/energystar.cfm.

EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores 75 or higher on EPA’s 1-100 scale is eligible for the ENERGY STAR. Commercial buildings that may earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, and warehouses.

EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government.

Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.

For more on Mayor Ballard’s vision of making Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest, visit www.sustainindy.org. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings.