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ENERGY STAR
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Achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR

Did you know that you can earn recognition for your commercial new construction design project through ENERGY STAR? Applying for EPA’s Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR is as easy as 1-2-3. Both owners and architects can promote the recognition and distinguish their projects for meeting EPA’s strict energy design criteria. Show your leadership and your commitment to the environment by displaying Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR on your next project.

Change to Eligibility Criteria for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Recognition

In March 2024, the EPA requested comments from the public on a proposed change to the eligibility criteria for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition. In July, the EPA posted a summary of comments and responses. 

Based on the comments received, the EPA decided to increase the required ENERGY STAR score for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition for U.S. commercial new construction and major renovation projects from a design score of 75 to a design score of 80. In August 2024, the EPA implemented the change. (Note that this change did not impact ENERGY STAR certification for existing buildings and plants.)

More information

  • Proposed Change to Eligibility Criteria for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Recognition (PDF, 116.77 KB)
  • Watch a Webinar Recording
  • Response to Comments on Proposed Change to DEES Criteria (PDF, 121.28 KB)

Learn more

  • How to Apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR instructions
  • ENERGY STAR Design Guidance – Step 4: Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR overview
  • Join the ENERGY STAR Aim for 80 Design Challenge
  • Partner Agreement for Service and Product Providers Application – First-time Architect of Record firms can submit an ENERGY STAR partnership application, which will be granted once a design project is approved for ENERGY STAR.
  • How to promote projects that achieve Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR template
  • Project has achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR (sample press release)
  • Projects and architects that achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
     

Steps to Apply for the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR

Flow chart to achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
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