Energy Star leaders continue to make a dent across the country, in big cities and small towns, according to an EPA press release. They are avoiding more than 580 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions — equal to those from the electricity use of nearly 35,000 U.S. homes — and saving almost $50 million annually.

Sixty-five leaders comprised of school districts, commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators and hoteliers are recognized for energy efficiency milestones in buildings they own and manage. These milestones include achieving portfolio-wide energy savings of at least 10, 20 or 30 percent. A fourth level, “Top Performer,” requires that an organization’s entire building portfolio perform at an exemplary level (based upon the average of the buildings in the portfolio).

This year’s leaders include 14 new organizations and 12 organizations recognized for higher levels of achievement than in earlier years.

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.