Charlotte 16th on Energy Star list

Charlotte ranks 16th on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of the top 25 cities with the most Energy Star-certified buildings in 2014.

The energy-efficient Charlotte buildings totaled 16.2 million square feet, EPA said. The buildings saved more than $12 million a year in energy costs and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of 10,300 homes.

The Energy Star certification means buildings that house offices, stores, hotels or schools perform better than 75 percent of U.S. buildings. On average, they use 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer emissions.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Charlotte 16th on Energy Star list."