New homes opt for energy efficiency

WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- More than 12 percent of new single-family homes built in 15 U.S. states last year were energy efficient Energy Star homes, a report says.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said nearly 200,000 new homes nationwide earned the Energy Star in 2006, bringing the total number of qualified homes across the nation to almost 750,000.

Home energy use accounts for nearly 17 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 21 percent of energy consumption nationwide, the EPA said,

"Consumers don't have to limit their smart energy choices to energy efficient cars and appliances," said Bob Meyers, EPA's principal deputy assistant administrator for Air & Radiation.

The 15 states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Vermont.