Is Your Business In A Top ENERGY STAR City?

The EPA recently announced its annual “Top Cities” list, which names the cities with the most ENERGY STAR certified commercial and multifamily buildings the previous year. 

You may be wondering whether your business is in one of the top cities. If your business is in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta or San Francisco, you’d be in the top five. 

Even if your address isn’t in one of the cities, however, that doesn’t mean your business can’t achieve ENERGY STAR certification or implement sustainable solutions. Many businesses across the country, regardless of their location, have successfully enhanced their sustainability initiatives and in the process, improved their company’s reputation for environmental responsibility.

Here’s a look at the EPA’s top city list for inspiration, as well as some tips on how you can become a more sustainable business.

Top Cities For ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings

Leading the way in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Top Cities” list for 2023 is Los Angeles with 876 ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Following Los Angeles was Washington, D.C., with 631 buildings, New York with 390 buildings, Atlanta with 373 buildings and San Francisco with 368 buildings.

Here’s a more detailed look at the cities that ranked in the top 15:

Energy used by commercial buildings is responsible for 16% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to the EPA. ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35% less energy and are responsible for 35% less carbon dioxide emissions than buildings that aren’t certified.

The EPA also released lists of mid-sized cities and small cities with the most ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Of mid-sized cities, the top five were Provo, Utah (125 buildings), Raleigh, N.C. (82), Louisville, Ky. (55), Jacksonville, Fla. (53) and Tulsa, Okla. (50). 

Of small cities, the top five were Jackson, Mich. (34 buildings), San Angelo, Texas (22), Bloomington, Ill. (15), Sebring, Fla. (13) and Manhattan, Kan. (13).

How A Building Becomes ENERGY STAR Certified

ENERGY STAR is a program established by the EPA in 1992 to promote energy efficiency. The program provides a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, helping consumers and businesses identify products, homes, buildings and industrial facilities that save energy, reduce costs and protect the environment. 

To earn an ENERGY STAR designation, a commercial building must earn a score of 75 or greater on the EPA’s 1-100 scale. A score of 75 indicates that a building is more energy efficient than 75% of similar buildings nationwide.

A number of factors go into a building’s ENERGY STAR score, including energy use, hours of operation and other operating characteristics.

ENERGY STAR also certifies other products as well, from electronics to appliances, heating and cooling systems, and lighting. 

How To Make Your Business More Sustainable

Your goal doesn't have to be to become an ENERGY STAR building to become more sustainable in your operations. If your goal is to increase the efficiency of how your business operates and reduce your energy usage, there are steps you can take, some that take little effort.

Conduct an energy audit. Identify areas where your business can save energy. This might include upgrading lighting to LEDs, improving insulation or installing energy-efficient HVAC systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED light bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Invest in energy-efficient equipment. Purchase ENERGY STAR certified products, such as office equipment, appliances and electronics, to reduce energy consumption. According to ENERGY STAR, you can save 10 to 50% more energy compared with conventional models.

Optimize building operations. Implement energy-saving practices, such as setting thermostats to energy-efficient temperatures, using programmable thermostats and ensuring that HVAC systems are well-maintained.

Enhance your building envelope. Improve insulation, seal leaks, and install energy-efficient windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Utilize renewable energy. Consider installing solar panels or purchasing green power to offset your energy use with renewable sources.

Engage employees. Foster a culture of sustainability by encouraging employees to turn off lights, use energy-saving modes on devices and reduce waste.

Implement water-saving measures. Install low-flow fixtures, fix leaks promptly and consider using greywater systems for irrigation.

Carefully choose your waste management. Partner with a waste management company that aligns with your sustainability goals. Choose a company that can transfer waste to the appropriate sustainable Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) to ensure waste is managed responsibly and sustainably.

The best hazardous waste disposal companies will also work with you to evaluate your waste streams and develop customized solutions that enhance sustainability.

By taking these steps, your business can significantly improve its sustainability profile, reduce operating costs and contribute to a healthier environment, regardless of your location.