How ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings Can Easily Upgrade to ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification

How ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings Can Easily Upgrade to ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification

For property owners and managers, achieving ENERGY STAR certification is already a significant accomplishment. It signifies that your building operates more efficiently than 75% of similar buildings nationwide. But did you know that your ENERGY STAR Certified Building can take the next step toward sustainability by becoming ENERGY STAR NextGen certified? The transition is simpler than you might think, requiring just one additional procurement strategy: purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to cover 30% of your building’s energy consumption.

Here’s how your building can meet the ENERGY STAR NextGen certification criteria and how Current Partners can help you get there.

Meeting the ENERGY STAR NextGen Criteria

To achieve ENERGY STAR NextGen certification, your building must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. ENERGY STAR Certification: Your building must already be ENERGY STAR Certified with over 75 ENERGY STAR points, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency.
   2. Direct GHG Emissions Intensity Threshold: The building must meet a specific Direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity threshold. This threshold ensures that the building’s on-site emissions, such as those from natural gas combustion or other fuel sources, remain below a set level. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager can calculate this metric by dividing the building’s total direct GHG emissions (measured in metric tons of CO2 equivalent) by its gross floor area. Buildings that exceed the threshold may need to implement efficiency upgrades or transition to cleaner on-site energy sources to qualify.
   3. Eligible Renewable Energy Requirements: At least 30% of the building’s energy consumption must be sourced from eligible renewable energy, such as RECs.

The first two criteria can be easily identified and verified using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a powerful tool that tracks and benchmarks energy performance. If your building is already ENERGY STAR Certified, you’re well on your way to meeting these requirements.

The third criterion, renewable energy procurement, is where Current Partners can provide seamless support.

Simplifying Renewable Energy Procurement with Current Partners

Since 2007, Current Partners has been a trusted ally for commercial real estate clients, helping them procure renewable energy and achieve sustainability goals. Adding RECs to your building’s energy strategy is not only simple but also highly cost-effective. Here’s why:

• What Are RECs? Renewable Energy Certificates represent proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable energy source, such as wind or solar. Purchasing RECs allows you to claim the environmental benefits of renewable energy, even if your building is connected to a traditional energy grid.
• Why Choose RECs? RECs are an accessible and affordable way to meet the ENERGY STAR NextGen renewable energy requirement. They can be tailored to match your building’s energy consumption profile, ensuring compliance with minimal effort.
• How Current Partners Helps: Current Partners specializes in simplifying the REC procurement process. We work with you to:
  • Calculate the amount of renewable energy required to meet the 30% threshold.
  • Source high-quality RECs from trusted providers.
  • Ensure compliance with ENERGY STAR NextGen guidelines.

The Benefits of ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification

By upgrading to ENERGY STAR NextGen certification, your building demonstrates leadership in sustainability and climate action. Benefits include:

• Enhanced Marketability: NextGen certification distinguishes your building as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible asset.
• Attracting Tenants and Investors: More tenants and investors are prioritizing sustainability, and NextGen certification signals your commitment.
• Cost Savings: Energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies often result in long-term operational savings.

Take the Next Step with Current Partners

Transitioning to ENERGY STAR NextGen certification is an exciting opportunity to showcase your commitment to sustainability. With the first two criteria already achievable through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and the renewable energy requirement easily met with RECs, the process is straightforward and impactful.

Current Partners has the expertise and resources to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your building achieve ENERGY STAR NextGen certification and lead the way in sustainable commercial real estate.

Ready to get started? Let’s make your building a leader in sustainability and innovation!

Schedule time with our Green Power Team today!