A/E Firms Take the Energy Star Challenge

More than 30 A/E firms respond to the EPA's challenge to design buildings that earn the Energy Star rating and reduce energy use.

In September 2006 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenged architecture and engineering (A/E) firms to design buildings that earn the Energy Star rating and will, in turn, help their clients reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Twenty-three firms took the challenge and submitted 32 projects that achieved “Designed to Earn the Energy Star" —the EPA’s distinction for superior energy efficiency in building design.

On average these 32 projects are designed to emit 40 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings by including sustainable features such as passive solar, natural ventilation, daylighting, and renewable energy sources. Together, they are expected to prevent an estimated 40 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually while saving an estimated $1 million in energy costs.

All projects that qualified for the Energy Star challenge were evaluated with the EPA’s Target Finder, which uses the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) to compare design projects to similar buildings across the nation. The AIA and other industry associations have chosen CBECS as their platform for measuring energy performance of buildings and building designs.

In addition to being “Designed to Earn the Energy Star,” the projects marked with an asterisk are expected to meet the AIA’s 50 percent carbon dioxide reduction goal.

All projects were showcased in a special gallery at this year's AIA national convention in San Antonio. They are models of how all architecture and engineering firms can help protect the environment through superior energy design intent.

To learn more about how Energy Star can help architects and engineers protect the environment through superior energy design intent, visit Energy Star.