EPA Invites You to Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge

Summary: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the ENERGY STAR Challenge for architects to help clients improve energy performance by designing buildings to earn the ENERGY STAR. The challenge offers an opportunity for architecture firms to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable design by preventing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, in keeping with the AIA’s Position Statement on Sustainable Practice. To meet the challenge, architects must submit estimated energy use for design projects by March 2, 2007. EPA will recognize exemplary projects with certificates, presentation on the EPA Web site, and inclusion in a show featuring environmental leaders.

Easy to use
To meet the ENERGY STAR Challenge, architects use the EPA’s online “Target Finder” to set an energy performance goal. It involves plugging in the building’s ZIP code, facility type, and performance characteristics. You then choose a target for energy use, compared to typical buildings of the same type. AIA architects can choose the AIA’s energy reduction use of 50 percent, compared to the average building, to meet the goal stated in the AIA’s position statement. The EPA Web site lists the AIA’s goals specifically as one of the challenge targets.

The Target Finder then calculates an energy performance rating for the project on a 1-100 scale. Design projects that achieve a rating of 75 or better can display the "Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR" graphic on drawings. The EPA says that these projects—once they are built and operating—are intended to perform among the top 25 percent of U.S. buildings. Those meeting the AIA’s goal of 50 percent reduction are intended to perform within the top 10 percent of U.S. buildings.

“EPA and the AIA share common goals for the nation’s environmental future. The AIA has recently committed to an ambitious 50 percent fossil fuel reduction in building design and actual performance,” wrote EPA Commercial New Construction Manager Karen Butler in a letter to AIA President-elect R.K. Stewart, FAIA. “EPA applauds this goal and encourages architecture firms to strive for energy use in the top 10 percent so that all new buildings are on the path to superior operating performance.”

Visit the EPA’s Web site to see how you can sign up to take the challenge today.