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NAHB, 25 Top Cities Recognized for Energy Star Buildings
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, D.C., Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Atlanta and Seattle led the list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of energy-efficient buildings in 2008 earning Energy Star certification, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on March 3.
EnergyStar buildings typically use 35% less energy and emit 35% less greenhouse gases than average buildings, according to EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
“EPA commends all of these cities and all of the others, as well as countless individuals, who are now using more energy-efficient appliances and dwellings. They are saving energy, saving money and protecting our environment,” Jackson said.
The National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. was among the more than 3,300 commercial buildings and manufacturing plants earning the EPA’s Energy Star label for high efficiency in 2008. This was the fourth year in which NAHB’s headquarters building was recognized with the designation.
The buildings receiving the Energy Star citation represent yearly savings of more than $1 billion in utility bills and more than seven million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the EPA said. These buildings include schools, hospitals, office buildings, courthouses, grocery stores, retail centers and auto assembly plants.
More than 6,200 buildings and plants have now qualified for Energy Star, with overall annual utility savings of more than $1.7 billion and the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than two million cars a year.
Energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and nearly half of energy consumption nationwide, according to the EPA. For more than a decade, the EPA has worked with businesses and organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through this voluntary, market-based partnership.
For a list of the 25 top cities with the most Energy Star buildings, click here.
For more information about the Energy Star for buildings and plants, click here.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 Attend the National Green Building Conference in Dallas
Attend the 2009 National Green Building Conference in Dallas on May 10-13 to learn more about the critical paths to green building, and to participate in interactive sessions and be part of the driving force for the green building and remodeling markets.
For more information and to sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.nahb.org/GreenBuildingConference.
‘Building Greener Neighborhoods’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Building Greener Neighborhoods,” available through Digital Delivery at BuilderBooks.com, shows those involved in building new communities the advantages and rewards of saving, planting and transplanting more trees in their developments.
The examples are drawn from decades of experience of land developers, home builders and urban foresters.
To download this publication in a PDF format, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 ‘Profit from Building Green’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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