There’s a good chance you know about Energy Star ratings for your household appliances, light bulbs, and other items used every day. But did you know that commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
We’re proud to announce that for the second-consecutive year, Independence Blue Cross headquarters in Philadelphia has earned the EPA Energy Star rating for superior energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified buildings — like our space at 1901 Market Street — save energy, money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings, with no sacrifices in comfort or quality.
To be eligible for Energy Star-certification, a building must earn a score of 75 or higher, indicating that it performs better than at least 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide. For 2015, the 1901 Market Street building earned a rating of 83 — up from 78 in 2014!
Additional milestones
- From 2014 to 2015, energy use dropped 8.2 percent.
- Since 2011, utility costs were reduced by $1.5 million due, in part, to energy-saving facility projects and executing a competitive contract with an electricity supplier.
- Compared to 2014, the building’s greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 8.2 percent.
Approximately 90 percent of the 1901 Market Street building has been renovated and modernized to provide a better working environment for associates.
In 2016 there are 156 Energy Star-recognized buildings in Philadelphia.
We are excited to be recognized!