PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 21, 2011) The U.S.…
PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 21, 2011)
– The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that 25 percent of all
single-family homes built nationally in 2010 earned EPA’s
Energy Star, up from 21 percent in 2009. In partnership with its
stakeholders, EPA continues to help American home buyers invest in
high performing homes that save money on their utility bills and
help protect the environment. Since 1995 approximately 1.2 million
new homes have earned EPA’s Energy Star, representing savings
of nearly $350 million on utility bills while avoiding greenhouse
gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 450,000
vehicles.
“New homes that earn EPA’s Energy Star seal of
approval rise above the competition by offering a better quality
and value while allowing homeowners to do their part to keep our
communities clean,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air
and Radiation, Gina McCarthy. “With Energy Star's
energy-efficient homes, homeowners will cut down on electric bills
and emissions to keep our air cleaner and our communities
healthier. Reaching this impressive market share milestone for
Energy Star qualified homes is an accomplishment for American home
buyers and builders and a step in the right direction to better
protecting the environment through sustainable living."
In 2010, more than 108,000 single-family homes earned the Energy
Star across the nation and sixteen states had a market share of 25
percent or higher Energy Star qualified homes. These states include
Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,
Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island,
Texas, Utah, and Vermont.
Homes earn the Energy Star by meeting strict energy-efficiency
requirements set by EPA, including:
· High-performance windows
· Quality construction to reduce leaks and drafts
· Efficient heating and cooling equipment
· Energy Star qualified lighting and appliances
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficiency. Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to decrease energy consumption, save money, and help protect the environment. More than 20,000 organizations are Energy Star partners, committed to improving energy-efficiency in homes, products, and businesses.
More information on Energy Star’s qualified home market share: https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/2016_energy_star_certified_new_homes_market_share.
More information on the Energy Star program: http://www.energystar.gov.