New Tool Offers an Inside Look at the Climate Change Impact of Buildings - Energy Star buildings release less carbon dioxide | Newsroom | US EPA

How much does the commercial building you work in contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

Figuring that out is easier now that the EPA's on-line energy rating system for commercial buildings, Portfolio Manager, includes greenhouse gas emission factors.

The updated rating tool shows that Energy Star buildings, which use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings, also emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

According to the EPA, the emissions factors for carbon dioxide (CO2) are from EPA's Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) and are consistent with those used by major greenhouse gas reporting protocols. With the integration of eGRID into EPA's, Portfolio Manager, businesses can see how the CO2 emissions of their buildings compare to others in their same region and across the country. This allows organizations to assess and address the climate change impact of their buildings according to standardized protocols, prioritize energy efficiency improvements, and lessen the impact on the environment.

For example, a look at a typical office building in the New England region shows that the building contributes 20 pounds of CO2 per square foot. An Energy Star office building in this region contributes just 15 pounds per square foot, a reduction of at least 25 percent. Americans can look for buildings that have earned the Energy Star with confidence, knowing that the building is energy efficient with a smaller carbon footprint.

That's not just good for the environment and everyone who breathes the air; it's good for your pocketbook too.

Check out Portfolio Manager at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager_carbon

EPA Green Scene Podcasts - Environmental Discussions On the Go

Green Scene podcasts are a way to explore environmental issues with EPA's top experts. Through EPA's latest downloadable tool, Agency officials discuss how EPA is helping protect our nation's environment while providing the public with useful tips and information on how they can make a difference in their communities. The discussions will take place biweekly and run roughly five minutes in length.

Check out the first one, on recycling, here: http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/greenscene/videos/greenscene_popup.html

Take the Going Green Pledge!

Climate action starts at home! Please tell us what you'll do (or what you've already done) to move us toward a brighter, greener, cleaner future.

Tell us which environmentally-responsible choices you'll make over the next year to help protect and promote a sustainable future for West Hartford. You’ll help cut down on CO2, save energy – and save money.

Click here to go to our online pledge.