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Energy Efficient
Products
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 Home
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
New Homes
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
Buildings & Plants
Buildings
& PlantsImprove financial performance and reduce carbon emissions with EPA's strategic energy management approach.
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Buildings & Plants
Home > Buildings & Plants > Tools & Resources Library > Commercial Building Design > Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR > Use Energy Design Guidance
Use Energy Design Guidance
- 1. The Energy Design Process
- 2. Pre-Design
- 3. Schematic Design
- 4. Design Development
- 5. Construction & Bid Documents
- 6. Achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
- 7. Commission the Building
- 8. Building Operation
- 9. Earn the ENERGY STAR Building Label
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
As design concepts take shape during schematic design, perform preliminary calculations and/or simulations to estimate the energy use of various design strategies. Compare the estimated design energy to the energy target to know which strategies meet the goal.
Action Items
- Include an energy consultant to review the selected energy strategies and provide preliminary costs and benefits for various design options. Begin energy analysis of design concepts using appropriate design tools, such as Building Information Modeling and the interface with the Autodesk® Green Building Studio®
. Perform progressive analyses during schematic design to determine the relative efficiency of energy strategies and make improvements to your design. - Analyze the site and determine the building orientation that enhances energy performance. Use daylight design to reduce the electrical lighting requirement and natural shading features to reduce the cooling load. Consider passive strategies to reduce energy loads.
- Select the technologies and strategies that enhance energy performance and indoor environmental quality. Right-size mechanical systems based on anticipated systems performance and occupants' needs, rather than rules of thumb. Ensure compliance with energy codes and standards during schematic design rather than tweaking the design later in the process.
- Compare estimated energy use to the design target using Target Finder. Make adjustments and integrate energy strategies in the building design to achieve the performance target.
