EPA recognizes energy-efficient designs (June 2009)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, together with representatives from the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C., recognized a record 75 new commercial building design projects as Designed to Earn the Energy Star. It was a 60 percent increase in the number of qualifying projects over the last year. EPA’s Designed to Earn the Energy Star connects the energy design intent of a building with its operating performance, ensuring energy efficiency throughout the building’s life cycle. Projects that qualify for this designation are designed to create fewer greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy bills over the lifetime of the building. “By designing buildings to be energy efficient, these architectural and engineering firms are leading the way in the fight against global warming,” said Deborah Jordan, the EPA’s Air Division director for the Pacific Southwest. “We congratulate this year’s Designed to Earn the Energy Star recipients for their commitment to energy reductions in the built environment.”