What is Energy STAR?
ENERGY STAR certified buildings save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings. To be certified as ENERGY STAR, a building must meet strict energy performance standards set by EPA.
The ENERGY STAR Score for K-12 Schools applies to buildings or campuses used as a school for kindergarten through 12th grade students. The objective of the ENERGY STAR score is to provide a fair assessment of the energy performance of a property relative to its peers, taking into account the climate, weather, and business activities at the property.
To identify the aspects of building activity that are significant drivers of energy use and then normalize for those factors, a statistical analysis of the peer building population is performed. The result of this analysis is an equation that will predict the energy use of a property, based on its experienced business activities. The analysis for K-12 schools is based on data from the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration’s 2012 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS).
Compared with its peers, an ENERGY STAR certified building:
- Uses 35% less energy
- Generates 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Costs $0.54 less per square foot to operate
To learn more about Energy Star for your home, business and schools visit: https://www.energystar.gov/
2023 Energy Star Certified Schools
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognizes schools that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources through the Green School Designation Program. The program’s environmental guidelines help Florida primary and secondary schools evaluate operations, set goals and take specific actions to improve environmental performance.
In 2009 the Energy Conservation Department has chosen a school for demonstrating outstanding energy conservation. A monetary award is given in memory of Ryan A. Raines who served as energy mentor in the Energy Conservation Department with Hillsborough County Public Schools. The award is funded by an endowment created by Ryan's parents, Dwight and Laurie Raines and will continue for many years to come in honor of Ryan's passion for energy conservation.