With 528 buildings totaling 112.5 million sf, Los Angeles topped the EPA's ranking of the U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2012. Rounding out the top five are Washington, D.C. (462 buildings); Chicago (353); New York (325); and Atlanta (304).
In 2012, more than 20,000 Energy Star certified buildings across America helped save more than $2.7 billion in annual utility bills. The cumulative number of Energy Star certified buildings has increased by more than 24 percent compared to last year, representing more than 3 billion square feet of floorspace nationwide. In 2012 alone, more than 8,200 buildings earned EPA’s Energy Star certification.
Phoenix broke into the top 10 for the first time, with 202 buildings. Boston, a newcomer to the list last year, held on to 10th place, with 11th place Philadelphia not far behind. Seventh-place Houston, with 241 buildings, is home to one in particular that stands out: Phoenix Tower, a 34-story office building, has earned EPA’s Energy Star 14 times—more than any other building in America.
Here are the top 25:
1. Los Angeles - 528 buildings
2. Washington, D.C. - 462
3. Chicago - 353
4. New York - 325
5. Atlanta - 304
6. San Francisco - 291
7. Houston - 241
8. Dallas-Fort Worth - 214
9. Phoenix - 202
10. Boston - 188
11. Philadelphia - 174
12. Denver - 161
13. Cincinnati - 137
14. Charlotte - 133
14. Minneapolis-St.Paul - 133
15. San Diego - 123
16. San Jose - 114
17. Seattle - 108
18. Miami - 104
19. Detroit - 100
20. Sacramento - 97
21. Indianapolis - 91
22. Albuquerque, N.M. - 89
23. Kansas City, Mo. - 82
23. Portland, Ore. - 82
24. Riverside, Calif. - 69
25. Virginia Beach, Va. - 67
Download a PDF of the full list.
Related Stories
Big Data | Jan 5, 2018
In the age of data-driven design, has POE’s time finally come?
At a time when research- and data-based methods are playing a larger role in architecture, there remains a surprisingly scant amount of post-occupancy research. But that’s starting to change.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 4, 2018
Shigeru Ban’s mass timber tower in Vancouver gets city approval
The 232-foot-tall Terrace House luxury condo development will be the tallest hybrid wood structure in North America.
Green | Dec 22, 2017
Green builders can use ‘big data’ to make design decisions
More and more, green project teams are relying on publicly available “external datasets” to prioritize sustainable design decisions, says sustainability consultant Adele Houghton.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
High-rise Construction | Dec 20, 2017
Another record year for high-rise construction
More than 140 skyscrapers were completed across the globe this year, including 15 supertall towers.
Game Changers | Dec 20, 2017
Urban farms can help plant seeds for cities’ growth around them
Urban farms have been impacting cities’ agribusiness—and, on some cases, their redevelopment—for decades.
Public Health Labs | Dec 19, 2017
10 takeaways from SmithGroup’s ‘lab of the future’ initiative
The LAB2050 initiative digs into the scientific trends, technologies, and economics that will shape tomorrow’s research laboratory environments.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 29, 2017
First Porsche, now Aston Martin: Sports car maker co-develops Miami condo tower *UPDATED
The 391-unit Aston Martin Residences will feature seven penthouses and a duplex penthouse, all with private pools and terraces overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 28, 2017
Elementary school, daycare campus will serve Toronto’s skyrise neighborhood
The $65 million Canoe Landing Campus brings much needed social infrastructure to the 20,000 residents of Toronto’s CityPlace towers.
