Atlanta moves up in energy efficient buildings

Metro Atlanta made the Environmental Protection Agency's top-25 list for Energy Star certified buildings for 2011.

Los Angeles has held the top spot since 2008, while Washington finished in second place. Atlanta moved up from the number six spot in 2010 to third place.

The agency estimates nearly 16,500 Energy Star certified buildings across the U.S.  have saved nearly $2.3 billion in annual utility bills. Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Commercial buildings that earn EPA’s Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide and must be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or a registered architect. Energy Star certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than typical buildings.