What’s Happening with ENERGY STAR? 5 Things to Know

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed eliminating its ENERGY STAR offices as part of a broad reorganization at the agency. This effort, which would eliminate or reorganize some parts of the office that are focused on air pollution, is a significant change from the prior administration’s focus on climate change.

ENERGY STAR’s flagship program, Portfolio Manager, is well known to building owners and managers, who use the free, secure platform to manage portfolio energy consumption and track the outcomes of energy-efficiency measures. Portfolio Manager is still available today, but a phaseout would require changes in how many facility professionals manage their buildings. Here are five potential things you can do if ENERGY STAR is phased out.

1. Make a Contingency Plan

What would you do if you hear an announcement that ENERGY STAR will be phased out? Now is the time to plan for continuity of your energy management strategies. Identify systems, reports, and policies that currently rely on ENERGY STAR data, such as any LEED certifications in progress, local benchmarking ordinances, ESG reports, or other items.

You should also assign a cross-functional team with representatives from facilities, sustainability, IT, and other departments as needed to evaluate new tools, migrate data, and retrain staff if that’s needed. Build this step into your operations roadmap for the next six to 12 months. Notify leadership, tenants, ESG reporting teams, and other stakeholders that you’re doing this so they know you’re planning ahead, and keep them informed of major transitions or updates along the way.

2. Back Up Your Data

Download and back up all of your Portfolio Manager data, including your historical energy use, water consumption, and emissions, as well as your ENERGY STAR scores. This will ensure that you have your historical records in a safe place.

3. Explore Alternatives

You don’t have to move your data to a new platform yet, but this is a good time to think about what you could do with your data if the program sunsets. Some organizations, such as Measurabl, are developing similar tools—and some features are available for free.

If you already work with a third-party vendor who has a benchmarking tool, talk to that vendor about adding redundancy for your ENERGY STAR data.

4. Follow Updates

Stay abreast of what’s happening with ENERGY STAR and be prepared to migrate to a different program replacing it.

5. Continue Benchmarking

Even if ENERGY STAR goes away, remember that your local or state benchmarking regulations are still in place, if you have them. Follow your local jurisdiction’s procedures for reporting in the absence of ENERGY STAR. Assume that benchmarking will still be required.

Industry Reactions

In a letter to Congress, BOMA International called on leaders in both parties to fund ENERGY STAR fully. The letter was sent to the leaders of the congressional committees with jurisdiction over the authorization and funding of the program; it spells out the positive impacts of the ENERGY STAR Buildings program and highlights how Portfolio Manager data is critical to commercial real estate.

“The ENERGY STAR Buildings program provides valuable information to support voluntary initiatives and building performance standards for numerous state and local governments,” said Manuel Moreno, chair of BOMA International’s Executive Committee. “BOMA relies on the non-partisan and impartial data for our high-performance building challenge programs, BOMA 360 and BOMA BEST, which help make buildings across the nation more efficient, desirable, and profitable. This program is deserving of congressional support.”

Mary Lue Peck, President and Chief Operating Officer of BOMA International, said, “The ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager plays a crucial role in standardizing energy efficiency data, which is critical to track progress and comply with regulations. Without it, cities and states would most likely implement a fragmented approach, making compliance much more difficult and expensive.”

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is also strongly urging Congress to support continuing ENERGY STAR and other programs that impact the commercial building sector.

“ENERGY STAR is not just for U.S. households—it’s a global benchmark with far-reaching influence across commercial facilities of every type,” said Michael V. Geary, CAE, president and CEO of IFMA. “From HVAC systems to lighting, life safety equipment, and manufacturing tools, ENERGY STAR provides independent, trusted confirmation of quality and efficiency. Facility managers, building owners, and employers depend on this program to maintain healthy, sustainable workplaces that support core business functions.”