Energy Star Program Passes Millionth Home

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a major green home milestone for the Energy Star program by passing the 1 millionth Energy Star qualified home. The program first began labeling homes in 1995 to help save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Since the program began labeling new homes in 1995, Americans have saved $1.2 billion on energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds. This year alone, families living in Energy Star qualified homes will save more than $270 million on their utility bills.

“This is an amazing achievement for the Energy Star program – but the real winners are the 1 million American families who have the chance to save money and keep harmful pollution out of the air. That’s great news for anyone who wants to cut costs and protect our planet,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re going to keep the number of Energy Star homes growing, because every new Energy Star home is a step towards lower costs, cleaner air, and communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable. We’re giving everyday American homebuyers the power to lower their bills and join the fight against climate change.”

The top 20 markets for Energy Star qualified homes built to date include: Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Greater Los Angeles, Calif.; New York, N.Y.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Antonio, Texas; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, Ind.; Austin, Texas; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Denver, Colo.; Orlando, Fla.; and Oklahoma City, Okla.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Homes must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 04′ International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features such as:

• Effective Insulation (insulation in floors, walls, and attics)
• Energy-efficient windows (keep heat in during winter and out during summer)
• Tight Construction and Ducts
• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
• Efficient Products (compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances)

Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPA’s guidelines and passed third-party verification.

For additional information on features and benefits of Energy Star qualified homes and participating builders visit the Energy Star website at http://www.energystar.gov/onemillionhomes

Energy Fact: Your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in homes.

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