When evaluating buildings for potential lease or purchase you will come across two major “green building” certifications, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Certification system and the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, green building certification system. They are two very different, yet complimentary programs. LEED is a more comprehensive rating system that looks at a several aspects of the building process while Energy Star focuses specifically on energy usage. The other major difference is that the Energy Star tools and resources are offered at no cost to the building owners or managers who are encouraged to use the tools to track their energy performance regardless if the choose to attempt certification. Both rating systems are widely recognized as leaders in the promotion of sustainable design, construction and building operation practices.

You are probably more used to seeing the Energy Star label on appliances, not buildings. After the success of the Energy Star labeled products, which came to be recognized for their efficiency and quality, the program evolved to include entire buildings. Energy Star Certification for buildings, which has now been in use for more than a decade, is aimed specifically at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The certification process uses a 1-100 scale. In order to achieve certification, a building must score 75 or higher, which means that it is more efficient than comparable building types. The Energy Star program automatically adjusts for differences in geography, building use and various operating conditions. It is estimated that an Energy Star building can have a 35 percent reduction in energy use.

Prior to submitting for certification, energy performance information is tracked online using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager by the building owner/manager. After it is determined that the building achieves a rating of 75 or above using the Portfolio Manager, the accuracy of the data needs to be validated and approved by a licensed professional. Only then can certification be achieved. Care should be taken if your desire is to sign a lease in a building that has achieved Energy Star certification. Certifications are awarded for a one year period after which the building owner is required to resubmit their documentation to the Environmental Protection Agency. It should be verified with the building owner if there is an intent to maintain the certification.

It is interesting to note that in 2010, San Diego ranked 20th in top cities with the most Energy Star Labeled buildings. In total, 83 buildings consisting of 13.4 million square feet were certified. It is estimated that this will represent a cost savings of $14.3 million dollars. Notable San Diego buildings include 101 West Broadway, 401 West A and the Hazard Center Office Tower which have each achieved Energy Star Certification for 7+ years.