Overview
Introduced: 1992
Effective from: Ongoing
Region(s): United States
About
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that certifies buildings and industrial plants for superior energy efficiency. To qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, a building must perform in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide, as measured by EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® tool.
Certified buildings use 35% less energy on average and generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to their peers. ENERGY STAR certification is a widely recognized symbol of environmental responsibility and financial savings.
Criteria for compliance
Entities covered
- Commercial buildings: Offices, retail spaces, K-12 schools, hospitals, hotels, and more.
- Industrial plants: Manufacturing facilities and other industrial operations.
- Tenant spaces: Individual tenant spaces within commercial buildings, focusing on energy-efficient operations.
ENERGY STAR Score
- Buildings must achieve a score of 75 or higher on the 1-100 ENERGY STAR scale, which compares energy performance to similar buildings across the country.
- The score is calculated using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, which benchmarks energy use, water consumption, and waste production.
Compliance timelines
- ENERGY STAR certification is awarded annually, and buildings must maintain their energy performance year over year to requalify.
- Tenant spaces: A recognition for individual leased office spaces within a multi-tenant building is also available, focusing on energy-efficient practices within the tenant’s control.
Application process
- Benchmarking: Use the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool to benchmark your building’s energy performance.
- Verification: Applications must be verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA). They must verify the accuracy of the building’s energy data and ensure that indoor environment quality criteria are met.
- Submission: Submit the verified application through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool for review by EPA.
Reporting requirements
- Data sharing: Buildings applying for certification must share energy performance data through the Portfolio Manager.
- Documentation: Detailed documentation of energy use, building characteristics, and verification by a licensed professional is required.
- Tenant space recognition: Tenants must meter their energy use, meet lighting energy targets, and implement an energy-efficient equipment procurement policy to qualify for recognition.
Third-party auditing
The application must be verified by a licensed PE or RA who certifies that the building meets all ENERGY STAR requirements. Verification includes a review of energy use, building operations, and indoor environmental quality.
Penalties for non-compliance
There are no direct penalties from ENERGY STAR for noncompliance, as it is a voluntary program. However, failing to maintain energy performance standards can result in the loss of certification, which may affect a building’s marketability and reputation.
