Registered Architects Can Now Approve ENERGY STAR Label Applications

Effective immediately, Registered Architects (RA) can provide verification services for ENERGY STAR label applications for commercial buildings. Previously, building owners and operators were required to engage a Professional Engineer (PE) to verify the information in the ENERGY STAR label application; owners and operators may now engage either a PE or RA.

The PE or RA must possess a current license in any U.S. state, and should follow the guidance provided in the latest edition of The PE Guide. In the coming months EPA will update web pages and guidance documents to reflect the inclusion of RAs. In the interim, RA may be substituted for PE in these materials.

EPA is making this change in recognition of the increasingly important role that RAs are playing in both the design and operation of today’s energy efficient buildings. With increasing frequency, RAs are continuing to consult with building owners and operators long after the design phase, ensuring that their designs are implemented as intended. With this change, RAs who submit projects that receive Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition will be able to later verify those buildings’ performance.

Please direct any questions concerning this new policy to buildings@energystar.gov.