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Two S.C. cities in top 10 list for energy efficiency

Molly Hulsey //June 15, 2021//

Two S.C. cities in top 10 list for energy efficiency

Molly Hulsey //June 15, 2021//

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During 2020, 66 buildings in Greenville and Columbia earned Energy Star certification.

In the eyes of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these numbers put Greenville in sixth place  and Columbia in ninth place among mid-size cities with the most Energy Star certified-buildings.

Greenville follows San Jose, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C.; Des Moines, Iowa; Nashville, Tenn.; Grand Rapid, Mich. and precedes a respective Milwaukee, Wis.; Boulder, Co.; Columbia, Tulsa, Okla. And Madison, Wis. on the list.

Over 35 buildings of a total 5.2 million square feet were certified by the EPA in the Emerald City last year. These measures helped building owners save $2 million in energy bills, amounting to the annual electricity output of 1,400 homes, according to a news release. These energy-conserving measures also routed 7,600 metric tons of emissions from being released into the atmosphere.

Last year, 31 buildings a total 4.8 million square feet, achieved certification in Columbia, saving landlords about $2.6 million – equivalent to 1,500 homes’ annual energy use – in energy costs last year. About 8,100 metric tons of emissions were prevented from entering the atmosphere.

In 2019, the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metro area made 2nd place with 75 certified buildings. This is the first year Columbia has made the list.

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