ENERGY STAR Challenge for Architects
Architects and engineers are getting it right!
EPA is helping architects and owners with the challenge of bridging the energy gap between building design and operations. Through feedback and collaboration, ENERGY STAR partners are getting it right by selecting design strategies to achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition.
Using Portfolio Manager, they track the energy lifecycle of their buildings to evaluate design decisions and determine if the building is operating as intended.
ENERGY STAR helps close the circle between design and operations: Case Study
Updates to ENERGY STAR Target Finder and Portfolio Manager
And, the 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of Year Award Winner is….
New Application Process for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Recognition
ENERGY STAR helps close the circle between design and operations: Case Study
Moseley Architects and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) (PDF, 184 KB) are getting it done from design to operations with help from ENERGY STAR.
“All of the design projects submitted by this winning pair which have achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR have subsequently gone on to earn ENERGY STAR certification.” – John Lord, LCPS
“Using EPA's standardized energy performance metrics helps us establish measurable energy goals, assess progress toward meeting those goals, and track performance after occupancy. This process allows Loudoun County Public Schools to know if design strategies were executed properly and whether energy goals were actually achieved.” – Loudoun County Public Schools
Updates to ENERGY STAR Target Finder and Portfolio Manager
Update to Metrics
On August 26, 2018, EPA will update metrics in Portfolio Manager and Target Finder tools. This will result in changes to select property types for the design target EUI, ENERGY STAR score calculated for your estimated energy and eligibility for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition. Learn more:
- FAQ: How will the metrics update affect design projects?
- Updates to ENERGY STAR metrics with new market data
Using ENERGY STAR Target Finder and Portfolio Manager to:
- Set realistic energy performance targets for your design projects.
- Determine if you're meeting your goal by comparing your design EUI to the target and tracking progress throughout the design.
- Apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition.
- Bridge the gap between design and operations by using the same tools for assessing energy during the design phase and measuring energy use in the existing building.
- Earn ENERGY STAR certification and associate your building with the brand recognized and trusted by more than 90% of Americans for energy-efficiency.
- Understand why states and local governments are adopting policies that specify the use of ENERGY STAR tools.
And the 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of Year Award Winner is Moseley Architects!

Photo left to right: Jason Forsyth and John Nichols, Moseley Architects; Michael Zatz, US EPA; Bryna Dunn, Moseley Architects
Moseley Architects and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) are getting it done from design to operations with help from ENERGY STAR. They’ve submitted 11 projects achieving Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR with almost half being built and earning ENERGY STAR certification. Learn more in the ENERGY STAR building design profile (PDF, 184 KB).
EPA congratulates Moseley Architects on their award for:
- Achieving 13 Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certifications, for nearly 1.4 million square feet and preventing an estimated 3,100 metric tons CO2-e.
Press release: Moseley Architects Receives 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award
New Application Process for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Recognition
EPA has made it easier to apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition by consolidating the application into one document.
In addition, EPA has developed best practice guidance for creating design records in Portfolio Manager to help you track energy use for the life of the property,
Learn more: How to Apply for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Recognition
Average estimated energy use and CO2-e reductions
50%
Cumulative weighted average for all design projects as of
January 2018
Average ENERGY STAR design score
92
Cumulative weighted average for all design projects as of
January 2018
Submit your next design project to EPA and be recognized by joining the list of projects and architects to achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
