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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
COMMISSION THE BUILDING
Commissioning (Cx) is the process of verifying that the new building functions as intended and conveying the intended performance to the building management team. This usually occurs when the building is turned over for occupancy. In practice, commissioning costs are not included in design fees and often compete with other activities. It is critical that the building be commissioned to ensure that energy performance and operational goals are met.
Action Items
- Consult Cx firm and hire an expert as part of the design team early in the project.
- Communicate the energy consumption goal during commissioning to ensure that the design target is met. Encourage energy-use tracking that will enable performance comparisons to be made over time.
- Specify detailed commissioning activities in the project contracts. Seek separate funding for commissioning work to ensure that it is given the appropriate level of importance.
- Finalize and transfer technical documents, including manufacturers' literature for systems and components and associated energy use, to building's O&M staff. Supplement technical literature with summaries of intended operation. Provide additional explanation for innovative design features.
