Energy Star Commercial, Manufacturing Buildings Grew 25% in 2007

The number of commercial buildings and manufacturing plants to earn the Energy Star rating for superior energy efficiency climbed more than 25% in the past year, according to data released this month by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA credits the improvement to new technologies, including strategic energy management practices and routine energy efficiency benchmarking.

Because of greater energy efficiency, the EPA estimates carbon dioxide emissions nationwide fell a record 25 billion pounds.

Commercial buildings that have earned the Energy Star use nearly 40% less energy than average buildings and emit 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. About 500 buildings use 50% less energy than average buildings.