A competition by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has helped cut energy usage and saved competitors $50 million (£32m).

More than 5,500 buildings competed in the EPA’s fifth-annual Energy Star Battle of the Buildings Competition: ‘Team Challenge’.

They also cut more than 250,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s equivalent to the energy use of more than 37,000 homes.

Competitors reduced their energy use by an average of 6% – an average saving of nearly $20,000 (£13,000) per building.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said: “EPA’s Energy Star Battle of the Buildings Competition brings together communities to find important solutions to reduce harmful carbon pollution fuelling climate change, save energy and significantly reduce energy costs in the places where we work, play and learn.

“It’s great to see the collaboration and hard work the competition inspires to accomplish energy efficiency measures that will continue to benefit these communities for years to come.”