Energy Star program cleans up environment, improves bottom line

Launched in 1999, Energy Star Buildings offers innovative ways for commercial and industrial property owners and managers to improve energy performance, reduce pollution and significantly improve their bottom line.

To qualify for the Energy Star label, buildings must meet rigorous performance criteria, monitored through a formal computerized program, the "Portfolio Manager." The tool enables owners to assess building efficiency by calculating the building's energy use, occupant density, space use and other information. It then ranks the building on a scale of 1 to 100 compared to similar structures. A ranking of 40, for example, means that 60 percent of similar buildings use energy more efficiently. Buildings scoring 75 or better on the 100-point scale are eligible to receive the Energy Star label.

EPA research suggests that companies that lead in energy management outperform their competitors by as much as 10 percent. Additionally, EPA estimates that if all commercial and industrial building owners implemented Energy Star Buildings, the pollution reduction would be equivalent to taking 25 million cars off the road.