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Architecture and Engineering Firms Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge

In September 2006, EPA challenged architecture and engineering (A&E) firms to design buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR 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 — 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 lbs of carbon dioxide annually while saving an estimated $1 million in energy costs.

View design projects submitted for the 2007 ENERGY STAR Challenge for Architects.

Case Studies and Articles

• Designers Take a Crack at Efficiency (May 30, 2007)
• EPA Region 8 Office is Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
• Industry Needs Baseline Consensus: How can buildings reduce energy by 50 percent without a starting point?
• AIA-COTEnotes: Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge and Receive Recognition from EPA (Winter 2007)
• AIArchitect: EPA Invites You to Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge (October 6, 2006)
• AIA COTEnotes: EPA Honors Architecture Firm: Innovative Design (Spring 2006)
• Architecture 2030 Challenges Architects to Reduce Energy Use
• AIA-COTEnotes: ENERGY STAR and the Integrated Approach in the Design Process (Winter 2006)
• Poudre School District Operations Building
• RAFI Office Building, North Carolina (197KB)

Building Design Documents

• Design Top Performing Buildings (115KB) Turn energy efficiency designs to buildings that achieve top energy performance.
• Building Design Guidance Checklist (113KB) Word — List of action items to incorporate energy during the design process.
• Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI) (84KB) States the estimated annual energy use target for the project. (Sample)
• Application Letter States that you agree to specify the energy design target in Contract Documents and/or Owner/Architect Agreement.
• Building Energy Performance Specification Provides sample language to assist owners and designers in specifying energy performance objectives. This document follows the customary design stages.

Acknowledgments

• The background architectural drawing used throughout this New Building Design site and used in the sample title block was contributed by Boney Architects, a North Carolina design firm.
• The building rendering seen on the New Building Design home page was produced by Global 3-D Arts, an architectural illustration firm in Hays, Kansas.