Energy efficiency improvements on more than 100,000 buildings across the US have helped save around $730 million (£434m) on utility bills.

The Better Buildings Neighbourhood Programme worked with 41 state and local governments and other partners across the nation to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes and buildings as well as launch sustainable community-based projects.

Homes and commercial buildings currently account for around 40% of all energy use in the US.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “Upgrading the energy efficiency of our homes and other buildings will save families and businesses money on utility bills and reduce pollution in our communities, moving the nation closer to our clean energy future.”