The ENERGY STAR Challenge: Architects

The 2013 Race to Denver

Architects Submit Your Design Projects and Join the Race!

The Race is a friendly competition among organizations and architects across the country to see who submits the most projects that achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR. The project's region will be determined by zip code for one of three U.S regions: Wild West, Big Easy Central, and East Coast. The region with the most projects by the deadline wins the Race.

Project Totals by Region as of 2/19/13

• Getting Started: Tools for the Race
• Reaching the Top: Goals for the Race
• Crossing the Finish Line: Complete the Race
• Spreading the Word: Promote the Race
• What is Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Certification?
• The ENERGY STAR Challenge Achievers

Getting Started: Tools for the Race

Use EPA's Target Finder, a no-cost online tool, to see if your projects achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR. The Architect of Record may submit all projects that have completed the Construction Documents phase. Learn more at Apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.

Reaching the Top: Goals for the Race

Participants from three U.S. regions will battle it out to see which one will finish the race with the most Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR projects: East Coast, Big Easy Central, or Wild West. Each region is awarded one point for each project submitted; the regional location is determined by the project's zip code.

Follow us on this Race to Denver Web page and @EnergyStarBldgs for updates. EPA also encourages organizations to promote the competition and successful projects on your own social media networks.

Crossing the Finish Line: Complete the Race

• Submit project applications for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR to EPA:
  Postmark applications by May 13, 2013
• Celebrate with EPA and your peers at the AIA National Convention in Denver, CO, June 2013

Spreading the Word: Promote the Race

Organizations can help spread the word by promoting the Race among members, customers, and within businesses. You can tweet, email and announce it on websites, in publications and at conferences.

Once your organization promotes the Race, EPA will then recognize your support by adding your name to the “Who's In” List. See the Race to Denver Toolkit for ready-to-use promotional materials and instructions for being a Promoter for the Race.

2013 Race to Denver A/E Firms and Projects

What is Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Certification?

EPA awards the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR graphic for design projects that meet energy efficiency criteria. Architects and building owners can use the graphic on drawings and materials promoting energy efficiency associated with a design project.

Benefits for Architects, Building Owners, Commercial Investors, and Public Officials

• Easy and affordable to apply for the certification (no cost from EPA)
• Connects your project to the ENERGY STAR brand recognized by more than 80% of the American public
• Recognizes organizations for achieving energy efficiency during the design phase
• Documents design energy use for various disclosure initiatives and other rating systems
• Compares design energy target to the operating building performance

The ENERGY STAR Challenge Past Achievers

The ENERGY STAR Challenge is an ongoing initiative from EPA encouraging architects to design buildings that reduce the demand for fossil fuel energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. EPA features the architects and their projects on the ENERGY STAR website, in national trade publications, and at AIA National Conventions.