ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy started in 1992 to help consumers save money and to protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.The first thing you may have noticed with an ENERGY STAR label was probably your  computer and/or monitor; but now you may find the label on over 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. And the EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.  This is where the professional engineer is involved.

The ENERGY STAR label on a building is an indication of achieving a benchmark level in relation to other similar buildings.  Accounting for the most significant drivers of energy intensity such as weather and operating characteristics, a building whose performance is among the top 25 percent (equal to an energy performance rating of 75 or greater on a 1 to 100 scale) and proves to maintain a healthy and productive indoor environment can qualify as an ENERGY STAR building.

The steps to achieve this label are as follows:

• Compare the building’s actual energy consumption to the industry benchmark using Portfolio Manager
• Apply for the ENERGY STAR if the building achieves a 75 or higher
  • Complete the application letter and the Statement of Energy Performance (SEP)
  • Have a licensed Professional Engineer certify indoor environmental criteria
• Communicate the success of the building design team/firm and their energy design strategies

A guide is provided for the professional engineer to help with this process: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/evaluate_performance/pm_pe_guide.pdf

Professional Engineers provide unbiased engineering services and are legally bound to uphold standards of ethics. Because of this high level of professionalism, experience, and expertise, a PE is required to validate each Statement of Energy Performance that is used to apply for the ENERGY STAR label. Namely, the PE’s key role is to verify that all data supplied to EPA is correct and the building is fully functional in accordance with industry standards. The PE is not obligated to count up each individual building attribute, but should be able to use his/her professional judgment to assess whether a healthy and comfortable work environment exists in the building (and has not been compromised in pursuit of energy conservation). Additionally, the PE must verify that all information provided in the Statement of Energy Performance and within Portfolio Manager is accurate. Services performed by PEs in connection with the ENERGY STAR label shall in no way be construed to diminish or otherwise modify the responsibilities or liability of the original designer or operator of the building.

Portfolio Manager Overview

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager

Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Whether you own, manage, or hold properties for investment, Portfolio Manager can help you set investment priorities, identify under-performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance.

Training

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=business.bus_internet_presentations

The web site provides a number of training opportunities; this includes live web conferences, pre-recorded trainings, and self-guided presentations.

An example of one of the live web conferences is ”Designing Top Energy Performing Buildings for Your Clients”

This presentation illustrates the EPA tools and resources that can provide a competitive edge for your commercial new construction projects. The session demonstrates how to establish an estimated annual energy use target, and rank your design’s energy performance against that of similar buildings. The session also shows you how to incorporate strategies that enhance energy performance through a series of management guidelines. Learn how to design top energy performing, cost-effective, sustainable buildings for your clients.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm and is filed under Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.