SEATTLE—The Seattle area dropped to No. 17 in the U.S. in the number of energy efficient buildings, having been as high as No. 10 on that list just a few years ago.

According to a report in the, Puget Sound Business Journal citing numbers from the Environmental Protection Agency, the area had 108 buildings certified with the EPA "Energy Star" rating in 2012. Los Angeles led the nation for the fifth straight year with 528 "Energy Star" buildings and Washington, D.C., was second with 462. Seattle was ranked No. 16 in the U.S. just last year, and No. 10 in 2008.

According to the EPA, "commercial buildings that earn EPA's Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide, as verified by a professional engineer or a registered architect. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings. Fifteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including offices, schools, and retail stores."