U.S. EPA Ranks Columbus Among Top 25 Cities for Green Buildings
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2014
For More Information:
Erin Miller, Mayor’s Office, 645-0815
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
The City of Columbus was ranked 21 in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency list of American metropolitan areas with the most certified green buildings. Among metro areas with at least 500,000 residents, Columbus was ranked second. The ranking confirms Columbus’ commitment to providing building owners and managers with the technical guidance, best practices, and training they need to make their buildings more energy efficient, save money, and reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re pleased to be recognized for our efforts to make Columbus one of the greenest cities in the nation,” said Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “We are fully committed to environmental stewardship and lowering energy costs, and we are proud to be a national leader in the nation for energy-efficient buildings and plants.”Cities are ranked on the list according to how many buildings in their area achieved Energy Star certification in 2013. To qualify for the Energy Star certification, a building must demonstrate 75 percent more energy efficiency than similar buildings nationwide. Columbus had 77 Energy Star buildings in 2013. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings. Many types of facilities can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.
“Investments in green infrastructure will benefit Columbus and all of Central Ohio for generations to come,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Environment Committee. “I applaud those in the public and private sectors who are building smarter, more sustainable structures.”For more information about the 2014 Energy Star Top Cities list, visit www.energystar.gov/TopCities.
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