Best Energy Efficiency Certifications for Buildings

EnergyStar Certified - Commercial Buildings

EPA/DOE

The EPA's benchmarking and certification program for energy-efficient commercial buildings. ENERGY STAR is the most widely used energy performance benchmark in the US.

EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments

EPA/DOE

Certifies newly constructed homes and apartments that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR homes are typically 10–20% more efficient than code-built homes.

Passivhaus

Passivhaus Institut

The global gold standard for ultra-low-energy buildings. Passive House focuses on airtight construction, superinsulation, and heat recovery to slash heating and cooling demand by up to 90%.

Zero Energy Certification

International Living Future Institute

From the International Living Future Institute, this certification verifies buildings that produce as much clean energy as they consume over 12 months of actual operation.

Minergie

MINERGIE® Association

Switzerland's leading energy performance standard for new and renovated buildings. Minergie sets strict limits on energy consumption, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality with three certification tiers.

DOE Efficient New Homes Program

U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy's program for homes so efficient they can offset all or most energy use with renewables. Sets the highest bar for residential energy performance in North America.

EnergyStar Certified - Industrial Plants

EPA/DOE

Recognizes industrial facilities that achieve top-quartile energy performance in their sector. The only EPA program specifically designed for manufacturing and industrial operations.

Phius CORE Certification

Phius

Phius CORE is the North American passive building standard, combining climate-specific energy targets with airtightness and ventilation requirements for high-performance buildings.

Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme

Department of Industry (Government of Australia)

Australia's official framework for rating the energy efficiency of residential buildings on a 0–10 star scale. Required for new home construction across most Australian states.

Energy Labelling of Buildings: EU

European Commission and INIVE EEIG

The EU's mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework for buildings. Required at sale or rental across all EU member states, rating buildings from A (most efficient) to G.

GNFZ Final Net Zero Certification

Global Network for Zero

The Global Network for Zero's certification for buildings that have achieved verified net-zero energy, carbon, water, or waste. A rigorous, performance-based standard.