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Contact: John Dell’Osso, 415-464-5135 Contact: Sara Hammond, 415-464-5165
The Administration Headquarters building at Point Reyes National Seashore has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ENERGY STAR certification, which signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. "Point Reyes National Seashore is pleased to accept EPA's ENERGY STAR certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts," said the Seashore's Superintendent, Cicely Muldoon. "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs." Commercial buildings that earn EPA's ENERGY STAR certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Point Reyes National Seashore improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its building(s). With 12 photovoltaic systems installed over the past few years on various buildings, the Seashore now generates approximately 35% of the energy used. This is a determined effort on the part of Seashore staff to reduce the overall carbon footprint. "Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is critical to protecting our environment," said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. "From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA's ENERGY STAR certification." To earn the ENERGY STAR, Point Reyes National Seashore took the following actions:
EPA's ENERGY STAR energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a 75 or higher on EPA's 1-100 scale may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Commercial buildings that can earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, data centers, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, houses of worship, and warehouses. ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 34 million vehicles. For more information about ENERGY STAR Certification for Commercial Buildings: www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings -NPS- |
Last updated: May 3, 2024