is run by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a government-backed certification that deems a building ‘energy efficient,’ therefore allowing consumers to make well-informed decisions to support energy-saving industries. The goal of the ENERGY STAR Certification is to make it easier for businesses and consumers to protect the environment while simultaneously saving money. Certified buildings are reported to generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cost $0.54 less per square foot to operate.

To qualify, buildings must earn an score of 75 or more points on EPA’s scale, indicating that it performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide. This score is based on a building’s measured energy usage. Each certification lasts for one year, so a building must maintain its high performance for annual certification.

Link to learn more: Energy Star Certification

US & CANADA