ENERGY STAR NextGen™ Certification for Commercial Buildings
The Biden Administration has established a goal of achieving net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by 2050. Achieving this “decarbonization” goal will require increases in efficiency and renewable energy capacity, as well as a transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
Reflecting the role that buildings have to play in reaching that goal, ENERGY STAR NextGen™ represents the future of ENERGY STAR certification for commercial buildings. It will recognize energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings and will encourage the U.S. building stock to move towards efficient electrification while contributing to the growth of renewable energy.
EPA’s existing ENERGY STAR certification will remain available to commercial buildings that demonstrate superior energy performance and will continue to serve as the industry standard for identifying the nation’s top-performing buildings.
EPA plans to make ENERGY STAR NextGen certification available to U.S. commercial buildings in late 2023/early 2024.
Details of the Proposed ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification
- READ: EPA's proposal for ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for Existing Buildings
Learn more about EPA's proposed criteria and rationale in this 7-page document. - WATCH: Recording of January 31 Informational Webinar
Hear from EPA staff on the proposed requirements and eligibility criteria for the new ENERGY STAR NextGen building certification, as well as instructions on how to provide your feedback, during this 60-minute webinar recording.
Submit Comments by March 2
EPA is currently soliciting comments from interested stakeholders on the new NextGen certification prior to finalizing it and making it available. The deadline to submit comments is March 2, 2023.
Step 1:
- Read this 7-page document for an overview of the proposed ENERGY STAR NextGen certification and the areas in which EPA seeks comments.
Step 2:
- Submit comments by March 2, 2023
