The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the Energy Star National Building Competition, a coast-to-coast contest to save energy and fight global warming with commercial buildings. Energy Star partners are invited to nominate one or more of the U.S. facilities they own or manage.

Approximately a dozen contest participants will be selected by the EPA and will "work off the waste" through improvements in energy efficiency with help from the Energy Star program. The building that reduces the most energy use (on a percentage basis) will be recognized by the EPA as the winner.

Contest participants will take part in outreach activities, periodic "weigh-ins" to measure progress, and a final celebration to announce the winner. Applications are due Feb. 12. Eligibility requirements and an application form can be found at the Energy Star Website.