CoStar is adding the energy star rating of commercial properties to its online database, which currently contains more than 2 million commercial properties of all classes and types.
“I believe adding the Energy Star rating to properties throughout our database, including those that have earned the Energy Star label, will heighten awareness about the connection between asset values and energy efficiency within our industry,” said Andrew Florance, president and CEO of the CoStar Group.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, energy consumption from the operation of commercial buildings accounts for 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. In a typical office building, energy represents 30 percent of operating costs – its single largest and most manageable operating expense.
Last year, CoStar began highlighting commercial properties that are LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council throughout its database. So far, more than 200 LEED-certified properties have been added to CoStar’s database.
Together, the LEED certification and ENERGY STAR rating will let users know the extent to which properties are truly green and energy efficient, according to CoStar.
