Energy Star Homes Expand

One million homes in the US are Energy Star certified as eco-friendly, according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement made November 10. Homes earn an Energy Star label by meeting the EPA’s guidelines for energy efficiency. These houses have better insulation, tighter construction, and more efficient appliances and lighting. The EPA says the average American household can afford to meet these guidelines, and these homes are located in every state. Houston, Texas, has 144,000 Energy Star homes, the highest number in the country. The Energy Star program started recognizing new homes in 1995. Since then, Energy Star homeowners have saved $1.2 billion on energy bills and reduced green house gas emissions by 22 billion pounds.