ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification
What is ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification?
ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification is the EPA’s most advanced voluntary certification program for commercial and multifamily buildings, elevating the trusted ENERGY STAR program to new heights. Launched to meet the growing demand for sustainable, low-emission buildings, NextGen sets stricter standards for energy efficiency, onsite emissions reduction, and renewable energy use. Certified buildings perform in the top 25% of similar buildings nationwide while leading the charge toward a greener future.
As sustainability becomes a priority for tenants, investors, and regulators, ENERGY STAR NextGen is at the forefront of the industry’s push for eco-friendly construction and operations. This certification not only delivers significant energy and cost savings but also positions your building as a leader in the global movement toward environmental responsibility.
Why Choose ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification?
ENERGY STAR NextGen is more than just a certification—it’s a commitment to excellence in sustainability and efficiency. Benefits include:
- Top-Tier Energy Efficiency: Achieve an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher, ensuring your building uses 35% less energy on average than comparable properties.
- Significant Emissions Reduction: Meet stringent onsite greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGi) targets, minimizing your environmental footprint.
- Renewable Energy Leadership: Source at least 30% of total energy (or 100% of electricity, if lower) from Green-e® certified renewable power, aligning with clean energy trends.
- Competitive Edge: Attract eco-conscious tenants, secure green financing (e.g., Fannie Mae, HUD), and increase property value in a market prioritizing sustainability.
- Cost Savings: Reduce operating costs through efficient systems, contributing to the $14 billion in annual savings across ENERGY STAR-certified buildings.
- Prestigious Recognition: Earn both the ENERGY STAR label, recognized by 90% of U.S. households, and the elite NextGen certification, showcasing your commitment to a greener future.
Key Requirements for ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification
ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification sets a higher bar than standard ENERGY STAR certification, requiring:
- Superior Energy Performance: An ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher in EPA’s Portfolio Manager, placing your building in the top 25% for energy efficiency.
- Direct Emissions Target: Compliance with a property-specific onsite greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGi) target, reducing emissions from onsite fuel use (e.g., natural gas for heating).
- Renewable Energy Commitment: At least 30% of total energy consumption (or 100% of electricity, if less) from eligible renewable sources, such as Green-e® certified green power, with verified documentation.
- Professional Verification: Application verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) to ensure compliance with all NextGen criteria.
Buildings earning NextGen certification automatically qualify for standard ENERGY STAR certification, offering dual recognition for your sustainability leadership.
How to Apply for ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification
Applying for ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification involves a structured process to demonstrate your building’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Here’s how it works:
- Benchmark Performance: Use EPA’s Portfolio Manager to track your building’s energy use and achieve an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher. Collect at least 12 months of energy data for all fuel types.
- Assess Emissions: Calculate your building’s onsite greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGi) using Portfolio Manager and ensure it meets the EPA’s property-specific target.
- Secure Renewable Energy: Source at least 30% of your total energy (or 100% of electricity, if lower) from Green-e® certified renewable sources. Provide documentation, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), to verify compliance.
- Engage a Professional: Hire a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) to review your energy data, emissions calculations, and renewable energy documentation for accuracy.
- Submit Application: Complete the ENERGY STAR NextGen application through Portfolio Manager, including all required data and the verifier’s certification. Submit to the EPA for review.
- EPA Review: The EPA evaluates your application, typically within 4-6 weeks. If approved, your building earns the NextGen certification and ENERGY STAR label for one year, renewable annually.
EnergyFave streamlines this process, handling data collection, emissions analysis, renewable energy sourcing, and application submission to ensure a successful outcome.
How EnergyFave Helps You Achieve NextGen Certification
At Energy Fave, we make ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification accessible and efficient for commercial building owners and managers. Our comprehensive services include:
- Energy Benchmarking: We analyze your building’s performance in EPA’s Portfolio Manager to achieve the required ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher.
- Emissions Optimization: We assess onsite fuel use and recommend strategies to meet the Direct GHGi target, reducing emissions effectively.
- Renewable Energy Solutions: We guide you in sourcing and documenting Green-e® certified renewable energy to meet the 30% minimum requirement.
- Professional Verification: We coordinate with licensed Professional Engineers or Registered Architects to verify your application, ensuring compliance.
- Performance Testing: We conduct energy audits and system diagnostics to validate efficiency and emissions performance.
- Application Management: We handle the entire application process, from data entry to EPA submission, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.
Whether retrofitting an existing building or designing a new one, EnergyFave is your partner in achieving the elite NextGen certification.
Why Partner with Energy Fave?
Energy Fave is your trusted expert in energy efficiency and EPA certifications, with a proven track record of helping buildings achieve sustainability goals. We offer:
- Deep expertise in EPA’s Portfolio Manager and NextGen requirements.
- Customized strategies to optimize energy performance and emissions reduction.
- Seamless coordination with verifiers and renewable energy providers.
- A dedication to delivering cost savings, environmental impact, and market-leading recognition.
With sustainability driving the future of commercial real estate, Energy Fave helps you stay ahead of the curve with ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification.
Join the movement toward greener buildings with ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification. Contact Energy Fave today to start your journey to a more sustainable, efficient, and valuable property. feel free to email us: Info@energyfave.com