Energy Star is a program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages energy-efficient building through product rating systems, guidelines and resources.

Last month, the EPA released the results of its 2012 study examining which cities had the most Energy Star-qualified buildings. Here are the 25 that top the list:

The South Sound didn't make the list.

Also last month, the EPA honored businesses and organizations for their outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency at the 2013 ENERGY STAR Awards ceremony.

Again, no representation from the South Sound.

People, we can do better. And it starts at home. SustainableWorks, a non-profit energy efficiency program, will provide funding to make homes more energy efficient, or even add solar. According to a release, "SustainableWorks ... will be able to offer $95 home energy audits, up to $2,500 in home energy efficiency incentives and up to $3,000 in solar incentives to Tacoma residents. The purpose of the SustainableWorks program is to help homeowners make home improvements that reduce their energy use and lower their carbon footprint. Program participants can save on upgrades to furnaces, heat pumps, air sealing, insulation, hot water heaters, and solar."

To learn more about the program, or to sign-up, please visit www.sustainableworks.com or call 206.575.2252.