What is ENERGY STAR Certification?
ENERGY STAR is one of the most trusted environmental labels in the USA, recognized by nearly 90% of American households. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR certification recognizes buildings and products that meet strict energy efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR certification demonstrates organizations’ commitment to saving energy, cutting costs, and protecting the environment.
Why does ENERGY STAR Certification matter for buildings?
Buildings can earn ENERGY STAR certification by using less energy, saving money on utility bills, and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To earn this certification, a building must score 75 or higher on the EPA’s 1-100 ENERGY STAR Score, which means that the building performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide.
This score is calculated based on actual energy use using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. The tool takes into account factors such as operating conditions and regional weather data. This ensures an accurate assessment of a building’s energy efficiency.
How to obtain and verify your ENERGY STAR Certification?
This year, the deadline for certification of U.S. commercial buildings in 2024 is Friday, December 13th.
ENERGY STAR certification is not a one-off achievement, it is an annual recognition. The building must maintain its high energy performance each year to maintain certification. The certification application also needs to be reviewed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) to ensure all data is accurate.
If you wish to obtain your certification, follow the next steps:
- Evaluate your building’s energy performance:
Start by determining your building’s ENERGY STAR score. If you’re new to this process, you can learn more about benchmarking in the Portfolio Manager section of the ENERGY STAR website. You should aim for a score of 75 or higher.
- Submit your application using Portfolio Manager:
If you have a qualifying score, the next step is to apply using Portfolio Manager. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the ENERGY STAR website.
- Get your application verified:
The last step is to have your application verified by a licensed PE or RA. They will confirm your building’s characteristics, energy data, and that all indoor environmental criteria have been met. The cost of verification varies, but it’s typically around $1,500 for an average building. You can search the ENERGY STAR list of licensed professionals or hire someone in-house.
ENERGY STAR certified buildings not only demonstrate energy efficiency, but it also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Visit the ENERGY STAR website to learn more about improving your building’s energy performance and applying for certification.
