Step 3: Evaluate your target using ENERGY STAR tools
Once you have a goal in mind, your next step should be to enter it into either EPA’s online Portfolio Manager tool or Target Finder calculator. Both tools calculate the following:
- Energy use intensity (kBtu/square foot/year) target required to achieve your goal
- Annual absolute energy use (kBtu) required to achieve your goal
- Associated annual energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions
- Estimated 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score of your design
Keep these figures handy and refer back to them often as you design your building.
We highly recommend the use of Portfolio Manager, which is required for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition. However, when you’re just getting started, Target Finder may be a quicker, easier way to get a feel for different target levels because there’s no login and fewer required data inputs. See the differences between Portfolio Manager and Target Finder.
Select a tool below to get started: