EPA Recognizes Houston's Continued Leadership in Energy Innovation
The Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the Houston region as a national leader in energy innovation across multiple categories.
This week, the EPA announced that the city has more ENERGY STAR-certified buildings than any other city in Texas, ranking seventh in the country. According to the EPA, last year, the Houston-Sugarland-The Woodlands area’s 195 ENERGY STAR certified commercial and multifamily buildings saved more than $41 million and 242,992 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking nearly 53,000 passenger vehicles off the road.
While some cities require ENERGY STAR-certification for new construction, the program remains voluntary in Houston. All 194 buildings that meet the criteria in the city have done so of their own accord. There are also many buildings in the city that meet the requirements for certification, but have not applied for the program.
"As the energy capital of the world, Houston is proud to be leading a global energy transition," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "I’m thrilled our business community is embracing energy efficiency as a tool to reduce our emissions and reach our ambitious local and national climate goals."
Mayor Turner currently serves as Chair of Climate Mayors, a coalition of leaders from across the country focused on meaningful change to address climate change at the city level.
This week's news follows an earlier report that Houston is the top city on the EPA's "Green Power Partnership" list, using more renewable energy than other municipalities in the United States. Houston has maintained its leadership role in renewables for many years, first receiving this recognition in 2014. As of July 1, 2020, all municipal facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy.