Target Finder

Target Finder is a no-cost online tool that enables architects and building owners to set energy targets and receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during the design process. Projects that earn a score of 75 or higher are eligible for Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR certification and can be submitted for the ENERGY STAR Challenge.

View a Target Finder demo and see how easy it is to use the tool (8-minute presentation).

Eligible Building Types

Target Finder provides an EPA energy performance score for the following commercial building space types:

• Bank/Financial Institutions
• Courthouses
• Data Centers
• Hospitals (General Medical and Surgical)
• Hotels/Motels
• Houses of Worship
• K–12 Schools

• Medical Offices
• Offices
• Residence Halls/Dormitories
• Retail Stores
• Senior Care
• Supermarkets/Grocery Stores
• Warehouses (Refrigerated and Unrefrigerated)

Building Types not Available in Target Finder

2003 CBECS National Median Source Energy Use (46KB) Use this table to establish a median energy use target for space types not available in Target Finder.

Sustainable Design and CO₂ Reduction Goals

Communicate energy targets for design projects with clients to achieve:

• EPA’s Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR, the Architecture 2030 Challenge , and the American Institute of Architects' 2030 Commitment fossil fuel energy and CO₂ reduction goals;
• State and local governments (83KB) initiatives, as well as industry standards that call for performance based targets; and
• Federal energy goals for new and existing buildings as stated in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.

How Target Finder Works

Target Finder lets you pick an energy goal by selecting either an EPA energy performance score from 1 – 100 (100 being best) or an energy reduction target. Next, it provides the annual energy use associated with the score for the project. It also provides an EPA score and a reduction percentage for estimated whole-building energy use for the project.

Target Finder also provides an EPA score and a reduction percentage for the estimated whole building energy use for the project. The energy use estimate can be derived by calculating all energy associated with equipment and building operation or from energy simulation. This process can help determine which design solutions will meet your energy goal. Your energy reduction goals are documented in a Statement of Energy Design Intent.

Close the Loop from Design to Performance

The process from design to performance with ENERGY STAR is a long–term commitment between architects and owners—a paradigm shift of sorts. View A/E firms and projects that have earned the ENERGY STAR for both the design and the completed building, demonstrating that buildings can perform as intended and achieve energy goals.