ENERGY STAR Certification Reviews: What's Involved and How to Prepare

ENERGY STAR certification recognizes buildings that perform in the top tier of comparable properties nationally. Owners pursue it because it is a credible, third-party signal to tenants, lenders, boards, and buyers that the building is well run. Getting there requires two things: a qualifying ENERGY STAR score in EPA's Portfolio Manager, and verification of the underlying data by a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.

Where the Professional Engineer fits in. EPA does not take the submitted numbers on faith. A licensed professional must review the property record and confirm that the building characteristics, occupancy and use details, and twelve months of energy data reflect reality, and that the building meets the indoor environment criteria. The professional signs the verification. That signature is why the label carries weight, and it is why the review is a real technical exercise rather than a formality.

What the review actually checks. We compare the Portfolio Manager record against source documents: gross floor area against plans or a rent roll, occupancy and operating hours against how the space is really used, and every energy meter against twelve consecutive months of utility bills with no gaps and no double counting. We look at use-type details that drive the score, such as worker count, computer count, weekend operating hours, and any special-use spaces like data centers or commercial kitchens. We confirm all energy sources are captured, including purchased steam, chilled water, propane, and on-site generation. We check the indoor environment criteria for thermal comfort, ventilation, and illumination.

The documents to gather before you start. Twelve consecutive months of bills for every meter and every fuel, a floor area breakdown by use type, the property's occupancy and operating schedule, mechanical equipment and ventilation information, and read access to the Portfolio Manager property record. Sharing the Portfolio Manager record with the reviewing engineer is usually the fastest way to begin.

Common reasons submissions stall. Gross floor area that includes or excludes parking incorrectly. A meter that was added mid-year, leaving a gap in the twelve-month period. Tenant-metered energy that never made it into the record. Operating hours entered as lease hours rather than actual hours. Use type chosen for convenience rather than accuracy. Every one of these changes the score, and every one is easier to fix before verification than after.

How long it takes. When the data is complete, a review typically runs one to two weeks. When bills are missing or the property record needs restructuring, the timeline depends on how quickly the missing records can be pulled from the utility.

Certification is annual. A building certifies for one year at a time, so the record has to stay current. Owners who keep Portfolio Manager updated monthly find each subsequent year far less work than the first.

Free reviews for non-profit organizations. Academy Engineering sets aside a limited number of free ENERGY STAR certification reviews each year for non-profit organizations. If you run a non-profit and your building may qualify, ask us whether a slot is available.

Academy Engineering, PLLC is a disabled veteran-owned professional engineering firm in Great Falls, Virginia. James Symanski, PE holds Professional Engineer licenses in Virginia (0402070389) and Missouri (2006002863) along with CEM, CEA, and LEED AP credentials. If you are considering ENERGY STAR certification for your building, contact us and we will tell you what your record needs before verification.