Many people know that ENERGY STAR ratings can be found on appliances such as dis washers, refrigerators, and hot water tanks, but if you are a commercial builder or construction professional, did you know that the ENERGY STAR rating can also be awarded for commercial buildings and industrial and manufacturing facilities?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies building that meet their energy performance guidelines for utilizing less energy, reducing operating expenses, and cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions compared to the standard in their work sector. Commercial and manufacturing facilities account for close to fifty percent of energy use in the United States at an anticipated cost in excess of two hundred billion dollars annually.

For over ten years, the U.S. EPA has collaborated with businesses and builders to cut greenhouse gasses by utilizing best-practices for energy management. To be eligible for the ENERGY STAR rating, a facility must earn a score of seventy five or better on the EPA’s energy scale, showing that the building exceeds seventy five percent of comparable buildings nationwide. Many different kinds of building are eligible for the designation including, but not limited to: Bank branches, auto assembly plants, data centers, commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, courthouses, dormitories, baking facilities, cement plants, financial centers, glass manufacturers, hospitals, hotels, petroleum refineries, houses of worship, schools, medical offices, paper manufacturers, retailers, supermarkets, and warehouses. To learn more visit the EPA’s website or contact your regional office.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: An ENERGY STAR building requires some thought and planning, but taking that time before construction can save big money for many years into the future. If you’re a commercial builder be sure to speak with your clients about the ENERGY STAR rating and how valuable a distinction it can be!