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Retailers Eligible to Earn the ENERGY STAR

Retail companies spend nearly $20 billion a year on energy. Tracking and improving energy performance can significantly lower these costs. With the release of the new retail rating, retailers can now track their buildings' energy performance and measure their improvements using EPA's energy performance rating tool, Portfolio Manager. Retail buildings are, therefore, now eligible to earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR label by rating in the top 25 percent of energy-efficient retail facilities in the nation.

This year, EPA is pleased to recognize JC Penney, a 2007 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, as the first retailer to qualify for the ENERGY STAR for their superior energy performance in a retail (non-supermarket) property.

What retail stores are eligible to be rated?

Retailers eligible to rate their buildings include department stores, discount stores, supercenters, warehouse clubs, pharmacies, dollar stores, hardware stores, and hard-line specialty shops (i.e. books, clothing, office products, toys, home goods). Retail segments not eligible for an ENERGY STAR performance rating at this time include electronics stores, restaurants, and malls.

How do I rate my retail building?

Use EPA's energy performance tool Portfolio Manager to determine your building's energy efficiency rating on a scale of 1-100 relative to similar buildings.

How can my retail building qualify and apply for the ENERGY STAR?

Retail buildings achieving a rating of 75 or higher using Portfolio Manager and professionally verified to meet current indoor environmental standards are eligible to apply for the ENERGY STAR. Find out how to apply for your building to earn the ENERGY STAR.

How will earning the ENERGY STAR benefit my company?

Earning the ENERGY STAR is evidence of your organization's commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. By earning the ENERGY STAR, you show that your building meets superior energy efficiency guidelines and is low in carbon emissions. Some ENERGY STAR buildings even use 50 percent less energy than average buildings.

EPA helps highlight your achievements to the public. Each year, EPA releases information to the press about buildings and manufacturing plants that have earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR. The Agency also partners with groups whose buildings earn the ENERGY STAR in its media activities. Within the ENERGY STAR program, it is also possible to receive public recognition as an ENERGY STAR Partner or Leader, or to earn the coveted Partner of the Year Award.

What if I improve performance across my entire portfolio of buildings?

Owning a building that achieves top energy performance is a sign of good management, but owning a portfolio of buildings that achieves continuous improvement in energy performance demonstrates superior management and environmental leadership. Those ENERGY STAR partners who demonstrate continuous improvement organization-wide, not just in individual buildings, qualify for recognition as ENERGY STAR Leaders.

An ENERGY STAR Leaders designation helps you leverage your management success, as organizations with strong energy management often outperform their competitors by as much as ten percent. Associations, financial analysts, and other stakeholders can use the Leaders designation as an objective way to distinguish leading organizations from their peers.