Cost-Free Verification of ENERGY STAR Applications

Not all buildings can afford to certify

There’s no fee to apply for ENERGY STAR certification, but applications do require review by a professional engineer or a registered architect who is able to verify that energy performance and indoor environmental conditions meet EPA’s standards. Even though the cost for verification is modest compared to other third-party certifications, many building owners, particularly school districts and religious and non-profit organizations, simply cannot afford this fee.

Cost-free verification is the solution

EPA is helping these building owners find licensed professionals who are willing to provide verification services on a cost-free basis. By performing this valuable public service, licensed professionals will significantly increase the number of ENERGY STAR certified buildings, inspire others to raise the performance level of their facilities, and help an organization of their choice that otherwise would not be recognized for their outstanding achievement.

Providing cost-free verification services benefits licensed professionals as well: it builds relationships and name recognition with nonprofit and public sector building owners and managers; develops the marketable skill of verifying ENERGY STAR certification applications; and enhances national visibility through special identification in the ENERGY STAR Licensed Professional Finder.

How it works 

The ENERGY STAR Licensed Professional (LP) Finder is being updated to show the number of cost-free verifications LPs are willing to make available for ENERGY STAR applications on a cost-free basis to help building owners who cannot afford the fee. When you verify an application for ENERGY STAR certification, you’ll be asked to indicate whether it was completed as part of the Cost-Free Verification program. If so, your number of available verifications will be updated accordingly in the LP Finder. 

This new feature will enable building owners to easily identify LPs who are actively offering their expertise to perform cost-free verification. It’s then left to the LP and the building owner to discuss terms and conditions of any services provided.

Through ENERGY STAR, EPA is also offering additional recognition to LPs who perform cost-free verifications:

  • Cost-free verification provider badge

    Personalized letter from the director of EPA's Climate Partnership Programs recognizing your participation. 

  • Recognition in an annual press release.
  • Participation badge (shown here).

Sign up to offer cost-free verification 

Licensed professionals interested in offering cost-free verifications may complete and submit this sign-up form to participate.