According to the EPA's Energy Star program the number of Energy Star rated buildings grew by more than 50 percent in 2007. The list grew to 4,100 buildings including:

• 1,500 office buildings,
• 1,300 supermarkets,
• 820 K-12 schools
• 250 hotels

According to the EPA, Energy Star rated buildings consume 40 percent less energy.  While everyone bashes cars for generating emissions and consuming fossil fuels, commercial  buildings are responsible for half of each category nationally.

To see which buildings in your area are Energy Star compliant go here: or you can check the US Green Building Council's directory of LEED certified projects  here.

Of interest to homeowners: in March the USGBC will release its first sustainable residential remodeling guidelines.