Energy Star’s Target Finder: The Online Tool for Energy Efficient Planning

Image credit: EnergyStar.gov

If you’re looking to build and want to qualify for Energy Star credits and certification, then your firm should take the Energy Star’s Target Finder for a spin. It’s a no-cost tool that allows you to set energy targets and receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during your design process (EnergyStar.gov).

Target Finder works by letting you choose an energy goal in one of two ways:  by choosing an EPA energy performance score from 1-100 (with 100 being best) or using an energy reduction target. After you’ve chosen a goal, the tool provides an annual energy use associated with the score for the project as well as an EPA score and a reduction percentage for estimated whole-building use. By entering the planned energy sources, the estimated total annual use and the energy rate (dollars per unit), users can see projected savings.

Target Finder provides EPA scores for the following commercial buildings:

• Bank/Financial Institutions
• Courthouses
• Data Centers
• Hospitals (General Medical and Surgical)
• Hotels/Motels
• Houses of Worship
• K–12 Schools
• Medical Offices
• Offices
• Residence Halls/Dormitories
• Retail Stores
• Senior Care
• Supermarkets/Grocery Stores
• Warehouses (Refrigerated and Unrefrigerated)

Target Finder is a great planning tool because it allows builders, designers and architects to create a comprehensive build plan based on energy goals and can be found by following this link:  https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=target_finder.

There are several ways that builders, designers and commercial remodelers can meet the Energy Star standards. One way to cut energy use is by sealing the building envelope, starting with windows. While window replacements can be costly and the return on investment can be slow, supplemental windows can provide a quick ROI and the investment is significantly less than traditional window replacements.

Thermolite Window Systems offers industry leading energy reduction, quick installation and can work around your peak hours of operation to minimize interruption to your business. Contact us today for more information on energy savings with our interior supplemental window system.