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Energy Efficient
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Energy Efficient
ProductsENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Saving energy helps prevent climate change. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.
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Energy Savings
At HomeImproving your home's energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Let us help you — whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional.
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Energy Efficient
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Energy Efficient
New HomesA new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the US EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes use 15-30% less energy than typical new homes while delivering better comfort, quality, and durability.
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Energy Strategies for
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Buildings
& PlantsImprove financial performance and reduce carbon emissions with EPA's strategic energy management approach.
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Home > Buildings & Plants > Tools & Resources Library > Commercial Building Design > Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR > Project Requirements
Project Requirements
- 1. Design Project Checklist
- 2. Eligible Building Types for EPA Rating and Project Requirements
- 3. Commercial Real Estate Developer-Owner Property Requirements
- 4. Owner-Occupied Properties Requirements
Owner-Occupied Properties Requirements
Owner-occupied properties are those buildings that are owned and occupied by the same entity.
The Architect of Record (AOR) submits the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR application package to EPA; however, the building owner is required to sign the Owner Letter of Intent 
, stating that he or she intends to:
- Operate the building to earn an EPA energy performance rating of 75 or higher, and if meets all criteria.
- Apply for the ENERGY STAR qualified building label.
- Provide information for a case study documenting the process and outcomes highlighting best practices in completing the cycle of designing and operating the building that earned the ENERGY STAR.
The AOR may apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR at the completion of construction documents once the following requirements are met:
- The building design team should have completed construction documents and plans and include an estimate of whole-building energy use.
- The energy use estimate should include, but is not limited to, energy use associated with the building form and envelope; orientation; program and function, including occupant schedules and density; primary HVAC systems; general lighting and supplemental loads, including plugs and other miscellaneous equipment loads; and any other energy-intensive process loads, including elevators and escalators, cooking equipment and refrigeration, and laundry washing and drying, etc. Note that meeting code compliance for energy use might not include all energy associated with operating the building.
- The energy management and operations and management staffs should be included during the design process because they will take control of the property upon completion and will likely have the responsibility for the building’s performance.
- A plan should be developed to educate employees about energy efficiency features and goals and inform occupants that the property is being operated to earn the ENERGY STAR label.
After the building is occupied and operating, it is up to the owner to do the following:
- Communicate energy goals to the building operations team.
- Track and verify energy use of the operating building, and if it qualifies, apply for the ENERGY STAR label for the building.
