Updates to ENERGY STAR scores with CBECS data

For most types of commercial buildings, the 1–100 ENERGY STAR score is based on the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), which is conducted about once every four years by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). New CBECS data is now available and is based on the results of the 2012 survey, and EPA has begun the process of updating our existing ENERGY STAR scores.

During this process, EPA will also update the source energy conversion factors used in all ENERGY STAR score models. Therefore, the ENERGY STAR score for every property in Portfolio Manager may change when EPA releases the updates. There is no way to forecast the change in score for any particular property or property type. 

We will keep everyone informed of our analytical findings during the upgrade process and provide ample notice prior to the release to ensure that in-process ENERGY STAR certifications and other reporting/recognition efforts are not affected.

Release Date

The tentative release date for all updated scores is 2018. Releasing the updated scores at one time will ensure that mixed use buildings experience only one change, and allow EPA to take advantage of economies of scale during the update process.

Learn more

EPA is hosting a series of webinars to keep you informed and gather your input throughout the process of updating the 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR scores. All webinars will be publicly announced, recorded, and available to watch at any time on the ENERGY STAR training portal. 

In addition to hosting 2 webinars every year on the overall process, status of analysis, and anticipated changes, EPA will host webinars focusing on the individual ENERGY STAR scores being updated with CBECS 2012 data. 

The slides for and recordings of completed webinars are available below, as well as a listing of upcoming presentations that will be announced roughly one month before broadcast.

• May 2016: Update on CBECS Data and ENERGY STAR Score Development Process (PDF, 339 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• May 2016: Office ENERGY STAR Score Update Plans (PDF, 253 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• May 2016: Retail ENERGY STAR Score Update Plans (PDF, 222 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• December 2015: Update on CBECS Data and ENERGY STAR® Score Development Process (PDF, 880.76 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• June 2015: A deeper dive into 2012 CBECS characteristics data (PDF, 903.37 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• October 2014: 2012 CBECS Preliminary Data and Updates to the 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR Score (PDF, 526.89 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.
   
• May 2014: Planning for Updates to the 1 to 100 ENERGY STAR Score with 2012 CBECS Data (PDF, 993.75 KB)
  Listen to the recorded webinar here.

Tell us what you think!

EPA is always open to input and questions related to score development.  Reach out to us via the ENERGY STAR buildings help desk if you have any questions, observations, or recommendations. We are particularly interested in hearing about:

• Changes in the market over the last 10-15 years
• Factors that have the greatest impact on energy use in your building(s)
• New variables you hope EPA will analyze with the CBECS 2012 data (or would like EIA to start collecting with the next survey)
• Research findings or experience with the existing ENERGY STAR scores

List of 1-100 ENERGY STAR scores and data sources

The table below provides a quick overview of each 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score’s data source and most recent update. Most of the scores rely on data from CBECS. EIA was unable to publish the 2007 CBECS; therefore, many of the scores still rely on data from prior CBECS.

*Not eligible for ENERGY STAR certification