Project Requirements

Design Project Checklist

In order to receive the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Certification the following project requirements must be fulfilled.

Project Requirements (See Eligible Building Types for EPA Rating and Project Requirements)
  • The project is an eligible building type to receive the EPA energy performance score. Design projects that are not eligible for an EPA score does not qualify for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.
  • The design project achieved an EPA energy performance score of 75 or higher from Target Finder.
  • The project is not consuming any energy nor generating utility bills. A design project may be submitted during the construction phase but not once the building is built and operating.
  • The completed project is intended to have its own utility metered in such a way that the energy data for the operating building can receive an EPA energy performance rating. If not, the project is not eligible for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.
  • The project is not a Hospital addition. Hospital additions are not eligible to receive Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification.
  • The project may be a major renovation but is not a retrofit or upgrade to an existing building, which is not eligible to receive Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification.
Application Process (See Apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Certification)

The Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Certification Application submitted by the Architect of Record (AOR) who is currently an ENERGY STAR Service and Product Provider (SPP) Partner.

  • If AOR not an ENERGY STAR partner, the AOR completes the on-line SPP partnership agreement.
    The following documents are included in the Application package.
  • The Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI) must be stamped and signed by a Licensed Professional: professional engineer or registered architect.
  • AOR Letter of Intent (printed on the AOR's letterhead; dated and signed by project architect)
  • Owner-Occupied or CRE Developer/Owner (printed on owner's letterhead; dated and signed by CEO, COO, or CFO)
  • The dates on AOR and Owner letters of intent should coincide with one another. These letters acknowledge that the owner and AOR have confirmed the project results (generated from Target Finder). Therefore the letters should be signed and dated immediately after a License Professional verifies the SEDI.
  • Design Profile (optional but is included so that the project can be highlighted on the ENERGY STAR Website)
  • All documents for Application package submitted to EPA for approval.
EPA Recognition for AOR
  • Submit a design profile for projects that achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification for posting on the Architects + Projects table on the ENERGY STAR web site. [http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_bldg_design.top_design_firms ]
  • All certified design projects and AOR firms are included as participants in the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Architects.