# ENERGY STAR Certification

This policy applies to business that meet the following criteria.

#### Region
- United States (USA)

#### Industries
- Construction and Real Estate
- Education and Research
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Retail and Consumer Goods

#### Revenue
- N/A

#### Assets

#### Size
- N/A

#### Status
- Public
- Private

#### Required
- No

**Looking to certify your building or facility with ENERGY STAR?**  
Take our quick assessment to check your eligibility and discover how Greenplaces can help streamline the process.  
[Get started](/content/regulations/regulation-radar/index.html)

### Overview
**Introduced:** 1992  
**Effective from:** Ongoing  
**Region(s):** United States

* * *

### About
[ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/) is a voluntary certification program managed by the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)](https://www.epa.gov/) that recognizes top-performing commercial buildings and industrial plants for energy efficiency. To qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, a building must perform in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide, as measured by [EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® tool](https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark).

Certified buildings use, on average, 35% less energy and generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than comparable buildings. ENERGY STAR certification is a widely recognized symbol of environmental responsibility and financial savings.

* * *

### Criteria for compliance
ENERGY STAR certification is voluntary, but it is widely adopted across:

- **Commercial buildings**: Office buildings, K–12 schools, hospitals, hotels, supermarkets, retail centers, and multifamily housing

- **Industrial plants**: Manufacturing, food processing, cement, glass, and other heavy industries

- **Tenant spaces**: Leased office spaces within multi-tenant buildings, with a separate ENERGY STAR Tenant Space recognition

#### Certification criteria
To earn certification, a building must:
- Score 75 or higher (out of 100) using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, EPA’s benchmarking tool
- Perform better than 75% of similar buildings nationwide in energy use
- Meet indoor environmental quality criteria, including thermal comfort and ventilation

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### Compliance timelines
- ENERGY STAR certification is awarded annually, and buildings must maintain their energy performance year over year to requalify.
- Tenant spaces: A recognition for individual leased office spaces within a multi-tenant building is also available, focusing on energy-efficient practices within the tenant’s control.

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### Application process
1. **Benchmark**: Use Portfolio Manager to calculate your ENERGY STAR score and track performance across energy, water, and waste.
2. **Verify**: A licensed [Professional Engineer (PE)](https://www.nspe.org/about/about-professional-engineering/what-pe) or [Registered Architect (RA)](https://www.ncarb.org/blog/deciphering-architects-credentials) must verify the data, operations, and indoor environmental quality.
3. **Submit**: Verified applications are submitted through [Portfolio Manager](https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark) for EPA review. Certification is valid for **one year** and must be renewed annually.

#### Reporting requirements
- Share real-time and historical energy performance data through Portfolio Manager
- Maintain supporting documentation on building characteristics, equipment, and usage
- Submit third-party verification forms completed by a licensed PE or RA
- For tenants: Include documentation on metering, lighting, and equipment policies

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### Third-party auditing
Verification by a licensed PE or RA is mandatory. They must confirm:
- Data accuracy
- Ongoing compliance with criteria
- That the building meets all indoor environmental quality standards

EPA may conduct random audits on submitted applications to ensure compliance.

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### Penalties for non-compliance
While this certification is a voluntary program and imposes no direct penalties, failure to meet annual performance thresholds or submit accurate data can result in:
- Loss of certification
- Reputational risk
- Reduced appeal to investors, tenants, and ESG-conscious buyers

##### Strengthen ENERGY STAR Compliance with Greenplaces
ENERGY STAR certification starts with clean, complete energy data. Greenplaces automates benchmarking and documentation to ensure you’re audit-ready—saving you time and reducing the risk of lost certification.

Request a demo to learn how Greenplaces can simplify your path to ENERGY STAR recognition.

### Similar regulations
- United States (California)
  - **SB 253: Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act**  
  [Learn more](/content/regulation/sb-253-climate-corporate-data-accountability-act/index.html)
- United States (California)
  - **SB 261: Climate-Related Financial Risk Act**  
  [Learn more](/content/regulation/sb-261-greenhouse-gases-climate-related-financial-risk/index.html)
- United States (USA)
  - **New York Local Law 97**  
  [Learn more](/content/regulation/new-york-local-law-97/index.html)