Energy Star is a nationwide standard that measures energy efficiency. More than 12 different types of commercial buildings are eligible for Energy Star certification, and achieving certification means your building is among the 25% most energy efficient of its kind.
To be Energy Star certified, commercial building owners must apply for certification and have that application verified by a third party. Building Envelope Allies is an Energy Star partner, and we offer assistance and guidance in the Energy Star certification process.
If you’re interested in maximizing your commercial building’s energy efficiency, here’s how to get Energy Star certified.
1. Evaluate your building’s energy usage
Use the Energy Star benchmark guide and Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building’s energy usage and determine its Energy Star score.
The Energy Star score uses a scale from 1-100, where 50 is the average energy performance of buildings like yours. A score below 50 is worse, and a score above 50 is better.
Your building’s score is derived from data about buildings that have the same primary use. It offers an accurate picture of commercial building energy use nationwide. If your building scores above 75, it could be eligible for Energy Star certification.
2. Make energy efficiency improvements
Buildings must score 75 or higher before applying for Energy Star certification, but if your building doesn’t get that score right away, it’s not too late. Benchmarking helps you identify energy inefficiencies, so you can make improvements.
Our energy experts can help you calculate your score and raise it. Energy audits from Building Envelope Allies identify inefficiencies and gaps, and give you an actionable plan to improve building performance and reduce utility costs.
3. Apply for Energy Star certification
Building owners apply for Energy Star certification in the Portfolio Manager. If your building is eligible, you submit details about your building, including:
Property type
Activity types
Occupant information
Size and location
Contact information
You must ensure all the information is accurate and that you submit 12 consecutive months of energy data.
4. Get your application verified
Next, you submit information about your site visit. All Energy Star applications must be reviewed and verified in a site visit by a licensed professional. Most licensed professionals are Professional Engineers (PE) or Registered Architects (RA).
If you’ve worked with Building Envelope Allies for energy audits and efficiency improvements, our team can also perform Energy Star inspections and provide the necessary stamps and signatures. After verification, you submit your application to the EPA for approval.
5. Maintain your Energy Star certification
The EPA reviews your submission and if it’s approved, your building is Energy Star certified! Once your building is certified, it is eligible for reapplication each year. You need to maintain or improve your Energy Star score to keep your certification.
Energy Star certified buildings use less energy and have higher net operating income compared to buildings that aren’t certified.
Now that you know how to get Energy Star certified, it’s time to get started. Contact us and make Building Envelope Allies your partner in Energy Star certification.