Policy Change that May Affect 2011 ENERGY STAR Certifications

EPA is adopting a policy that will change the year of your ENERGY STAR certification. Currently, the display year is based on the 12-month period ending date listed on your Statement of Energy Performance (SEP). However, for all label applications approved on or after January 1, 2012, the certification year will be based on the year during which your label application is approved, regardless of the SEP period ending date. The purpose of this change is to align the year that displays on your label with the calendar year in which it was approved. This change will make it easier for you and EPA to communicate and celebrate your award with the public.

In order for you to earn a 2011 award, your application must be approved by December 31, 2011. EPA will guarantee an on-time approval for all applications that are postmarked by November 15, 2011 and that require no additional questions or follow-up by EPA. Applications approved after December 31 will earn a 2012 award.

If you received a 2010 award with an SEP dated in the last four months of 2010, your building(s) might not have been eligible to apply for 2011 certification in time, so all affected buildings have been reset to be eligible as of August 31, 2011. This means that you have from August 31 to November 15 to submit your 2011 application for ENERGY STAR certification. If you wait longer than that, you will most likely receive a certification for the year 2012.

Please remember to have your application postmarked by November 15, 2011.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact buildings@energystar.gov.

USGBC NFC Summer Member Appreciation Event

We're thankful to have so many active, engaged USGBC members at the local level (that's you!) and as a thank-you, the chapter is hosting a fall member appreciation event on Friday September 23rd.

First, we'll tour the new TD Ameritrade Park (1200 Mike Fahey Street) in downtown Omaha. Designers and contractors will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the project.

After the tour, the chapter will provide appetizers & drinks at the Mattress Factory Bar & Grill (501 North 13th Street)... because it's Friday, after all.

The tour starts officially at 4:00pm, but plan on arriving no later than 3:45pm.

Park and meet in Lot C (enter the lot from Fahey Street) and we will walk as a group to the Admin Office (1200 Mike Fahey Street).

RSVP’s are required by the ballpark – no later than the 20th please – send to communications@usgbcne.org.