LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 16, 2018) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Louisville is ranked 3rd on the list of top U.S. mid-size cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings. Louisville ranked 7th last year and this year, ranks behind only San Jose and Virginia Beach. On the list of all U.S. metropolitan areas, Louisville ranks in the top 25.
“When property owners make the choice to invest in energy efficiency, they are not only making an environmentally conscious choice but also a smart financial choice,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I encourage all building owners to use energy efficient systems because they will see a reduction in operating costs and help make Louisville a healthier city.”
Louisville earned its ranking with 86 Energy Star buildings, which includes office buildings, schools, banks, and retail and grocery stores. Energy efficiency saved Louisville Energy Star building owners $6.6 million in 2017.
Since 2013, the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability has offered free verification services from a licensed architect or engineer to validate Energy Star Certification submission data for eligible buildings.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG), led by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Management & Budget, has implemented energy efficiency measures, which in 2017 saved the city $2.7 million and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 5,300 vehicles off the road.
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. Also, Energy Star certified buildings cost $0.50 less per square foot to operate than average buildings.
LMG partners with the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) to promote energy efficiency and conservation efforts. The LEA hosts the annual Kilowatt Crackdown Awards, a city-wide competition that challenges building owners and operators to decrease energy use in their buildings. The Kilowatt Crackdown winners listed below were recognized last week for leadership and excellence in energy conservation.
- Norton Audubon Hospital – 2017 Kilowatt Cup Winner
- Oxmoor Center – Innovation Award
- Tully Elementary – Best K-12 School Facility
- Jefferson Community & Technical College Shelby Campus – Best College/University Facility
- First Unitarian Church – Best Church/Worship Facility
- Southeast Christian Church – Best Large Church/Worship Facility
- Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital – Best Healthcare Facility
- Sealed Air – Best Manufacturing Facility
- The Presbyterian Center – Best Office Facility
To become Energy Star certified, visit https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existi….
For more information on energy efficiency opportunities in Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/energy-efficiency.
For the complete city rankings, visit www.energystar.gov/TopCities
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