The Environmental Protection Agency released its second annual list of U.S. cities with the most energy-efficient buildings. Phoenix ranked number 20, just ahead of Ogden, Utah, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The EPA's list is determined by the number of energy-efficient buildings in each city. Phoenix has 52 buildings with "Energy Star" ratings from the EPA. An "Energy Star" is awarded to a building that performs in the top 25 percent of energy efficiency nationwide, compared to similar buildings.
Phoenix's Energy Star buildings include The Anasazi Plaza on North Tatum Boulevard, the APS offices downtown, the Biltmore Commerce Center, the Collier Center, and Chaparral and Ironwood Elementary schools.
Phoenix moved up two spots since the EPA's 2009 list, from 22nd to 20th.