LA is #1: Most Energy-Efficient Buildings in the U.S. - LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau

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LA is #1: Most Energy-Efficient Buildings in the U.S.

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Bank of America Building

In the spring of 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the greatest number of energy-efficient buildings that earned the EPA’s Energy Star certification in 2010. With 510 Energy Star buildings, Los Angeles tops the list of 25 cities for the third year.

The EPA debuted its list of cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2008. Following Los Angeles, the District of Columbia and San Francisco rank second and third respectively for the second year. New York City climbed five spots to claim fifth in the rankings. California boasts more cities on EPA’s list than any other state in the country, with a total of five.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide compared to similar buildings and be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect each year. Energy Star certified buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings. Fourteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.

Following is a list of the top 10 cities with the most Energy Star buildings in 2010: