EPA gives U.S. cities ‘Energy Star’ label

TEXT OF STORY

Bill Radke: Speaking of energy, take a guess — which American city has the most energy efficient buildings? The EPA is stirring up a little competition today as it releases its rankings for the top 10 cities. As Sarah Gardner reports from the Marketplace Sustainability Desk, to win this contest, it helps to have miles and miles of buildings in the first place.

Sarah Gardner: The EPA ranked cities according to how many of its commercial buildings have earned the agency’s “Energy Star” label. Think “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for energy efficiency. Los Angeles takes the prize with 262. It’s true, L.A. is big and sprawling, but it’s not just a matter of numbers.

The EPA’s Maura Beard credits California policy, like a law requiring building owners to publicly report their yearly energy consumption:

Maura Beard: By paying attention to how much energy they use, it makes sense that it’s landing L.A. and San Francisco at the top of this list.

San Francisco ranked second. Houston, D.C. and Dallas follow.

Beard says California and Texas may be more energy-conscious because of growing populations. The EPA estimates the 6,200 Energy Star buildings in this country have saved over a billion dollars on their utility bills.

I’m Sarah Gardner for Marketplace.