Target Finder

EPA's Target Finder tool helps architects and building owners set aggressive, realistic energy targets and rate a building design's estimated energy use. Use the tool to achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR, and participate in the ENERGY STAR Challenge. (Learn how architects can take the ENERGY STAR Challenge).

2003 CBECS National Average Source Energy Use and Performance Comparisons (46KB) provide national energy performance averages for building types not available for an EPA rating. The results are not normalized for climate, building size, occupancy, or other activities that may affect energy use.

About Target Finder

Target Finder and data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Information Agency's 2003 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) helps you establish energy targets for Architecture 2030 adopted by the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The energy use intensity (EUI) generated by Target Finder reflects the distribution of energy performance in commercial buildings derived from 2003 CBECS. The required data inputs were found to be the primary drivers of energy use. The ZIP code is used to determine the climate conditions that the building would experience in a normal year (based on a 30-year climate average). The total annual energy use intensity for the target is based on the energy fuel mix typical in the region specified by the ZIP code. The tool displays the percent electricity and natural gas defaults used to calculate design targets. Users may enter their own fuel mix; electricity must be selected as one of the choices. Site and source energy calculations are provided for both energy use intensity and total annual energy. The EPA rating is calculated from source energy use.

Frequently Asked Questions