Energy Star Certification
What is Energy Star certification?
Energy Star certified buildings use less energy, save money, and have less impact on environment by generating fewer GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions than typical buildings. ENERGY STAR certified buildings use 35% less energy than similar buildings (EUI savings). The cost savings can be different depending on the utility cost at the building location. Buildings with score above 75 are eligible to apply for Energy Star Certification.
What type of Energy Star certifications are out there?
- Energy Star for commercial buildings
- Energy Star for industrial plants
- Energy Star Tenant Space
- Designed to Earn the Energy Star
Why You Should Get Your Buildings ENERGY STAR Certified in 2024?
ENERGY STAR certification is a highly recognizable brand that signifies that a building has been verified to use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases than similar buildings. There are many benefits to getting your buildings ENERGY STAR certified, including:
- Attracting customers and employees. ENERGY STAR certified buildings are more attractive to potential buyers and lessees, as well as to employees. In fact, more than 80% of workers are attracted by an employer with an environmental reputation.
- Lower operating costs. ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35% less energy than similar buildings, which can lead to significant cost savings. The average ENERGY STAR certified building saves $350,000 per year on energy costs.
- Higher income and increased rental value. The higher net operating income from energy cost savings is likely to be reflected in higher building valuation.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR certified buildings emit an average of 35% fewer greenhouse gases than similar buildings. This helps to reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner planet.
- Increased property value. Studies have shown that ENERGY STAR certified buildings sell for more than non-certified buildings.
- Improved occupant comfort. ENERGY STAR certified buildings are more comfortable to live and work in, thanks to features like better insulation and air sealing.
- Enhanced compliance with regulations. ENERGY STAR certification can help you comply with local, state, and federal energy efficiency regulations.
If you are looking for ways to save money, attract customers and employees, and reduce your environmental impact, then getting your buildings ENERGY STAR certified is a great way to achieve all of these goals.
What is the Statement of Energy Performance (SEP)?
- The Statement of Energy Performance (SEP) is a summary report showing the energy consumption in a property. SEP needs to be signed and stamped by a licensed professional engineer to verify and validate the data. Some state, local government, programs might require SEP as part of the compliance with benchmarking. Download a sample of Statement of Energy Performance (SEP) here.
What are the steps to apply for Energy Star certification?
- Complete the data in Energy Star Portfolio Manager (Benchmarking)
- Check to see if the Energy Star score is above 75
- After reviewing all the data, you must start the online application in Portfolio Manager
- Have Energy Fave team review and verify your application
- Upload a scanned copy of the signed application and electronically submit the application to EPA.
- If the application was picked for an audit, respond to questions from EPA, if necessary.
What are the requirements to become Energy Star certified
- Energy Star Portfolio Manager: If you have an account in portfolio manager, make sure all the information are updated with the latest utility bills. If there has been any changes in the building or occupancy type, they need to be updated in Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Our team can help you with setting up an account in portfolio manager and updating all the necessary data.
- Data Review: Accurate property function/type designation, including all square footage on the property must be reported in Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Additionally, the usage details section shall represent the latest information and no temporary or default values should be presented in the application.
- Energy Star Score: Once all the information are updated in portfolio manager, Energy Star Score will be generated. If the score is above 75, your building is eligible to receive Energy Star Certification. If the score is below 75, our team can conduct an Energy Audit to identify Energy Conservative Measures (ECMs) that can help reduce the energy consumption in the building.
- 12 Months data: For every active meter in the building, 12 consecutive months of utility data must be provided.
How should I apply for Energy Star certification?
- Start the application process: To start your application in portfolio manager, on My Portfolio tab click on your property name, and then click on Apply for Energy Star Certification.
- Review Property Information: Section “About your property” needs to be reviewed at this point. Information to be reviewed are property description, activities occur in the building, building occupants number, and size. Next, please provide the name of your property as you want it to appear in the Registry of Energy Star certified buildings and plants.
- Choose contacts for application: Fill out the contact information for your property including the owner information, property manager, if any Energy Star service provider assists with managing the property information, application primary contact, the signatory, and the Licensed Professional verifying the application.
- Enter Award information: Select the type of complimentary decal you’d like to receive and the address to send the decal. options for Energy Star Decals are: Blue and White or Etched-look.
- Review eligibility details: Select the period Ending date you’d like to use for your application. By default Energy Star Portfolio Manager selects the most recent 12 months period. If there is any alerts in your applications, you need to fix it before submitting your energy star application. Make sure to resolve all the issues before submitting your application as it will delay the whole certification process.
- Generate your application for signatures: Generate application for signatures. The downloaded application will have all your property’s basic information, property use details, utility data, score, and a checklist for the licensed professional to verify before signing and stamping the application.
- Enter site visit information: Licensed Professional Engineer needs to conduct a site visit and verify the accuracy of information. Information that need to be reviewed are: utility usage are reported accurately, Property use details and gross square footage, minimum occupancy requirement, Indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, and illumination meet industry standards. Once the site visit is done, the licensed professional engineer must complete the site visit portion of the application.
- Submit your application: Enter the tracking number of the signed application in portfolio manager. Sign and stamp the application, scan it and upload it in portfolio manager. E-sign application and submit to EPA.
If you are interested to learn more how Energy Fave can help your building to become Energy Star certified or if you have more questions about the whole Energy Star certification process, feel free to email us: [email protected]