ENERGY STAR
U.S. voluntary program for energy efficiency certification
WELL
Performance-based certification for occupant health in buildings.
Quick Verdict
ENERGY STAR certifies energy-efficient products and buildings via performance thresholds and verification, slashing costs and emissions. WELL ensures occupant health through air, light, and wellness features. Companies adopt both for efficiency gains, sustainability, talent retention, and premium market value.
ENERGY STAR
EPA ENERGY STAR Energy Efficiency Program
Key Features
- Mandatory third-party certification and verification testing
- Category-specific performance thresholds above federal minimums
- Standardized DOE test procedures for products
- Portfolio Manager benchmarking for buildings score 75+
- Strict brand governance and mark usage rules
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- Mandatory on-site performance verification testing
- 10 core health concepts with preconditions/optimizations
- Point-based certification tiers Bronze to Platinum
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
- Crosswalks for LEED dual certification
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ENERGY STAR Details
What It Is
ENERGY STAR is the U.S. EPA-administered voluntary program for energy efficiency labeling and certification. It sets superior performance standards across products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants using category-specific thresholds and benchmarking methodologies.
Key Components
- Performance thresholds (e.g., 15% above federal minimums)
- Standardized DOE test procedures
- Mandatory third-party certification by EPA-recognized bodies
- Ongoing verification testing (5-20% annually)
- Portfolio Manager for 1-100 building scores (75+ for certification)
- Strict Brand Book governance Certification requires independent verification; annual for buildings.
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces energy costs ($500B saved since 1992), emissions (4B tons avoided), unlocks rebates/procurement. Builds trust via credible label (90% recognition), supports ESG, avoids disqualification risks. Differentiates in competitive markets.
Implementation Overview
Phased: assess/gap analysis (4-8 weeks), design/testing (3-12 months), deploy/verify, continuous monitoring. Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across sizes/industries in U.S./Canada. Involves labs, certification bodies, annual PE/RA verification for buildings.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It focuses on designing, operating, and verifying buildings to advance human health and well-being through evidence-based strategies. Its approach emphasizes measurable outcomes via preconditions and optimizations across 10 concepts.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory) and 102 Optimizations (point-based).
- Built on public health and building science research.
- Certification tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives occupant health, productivity, and ESG reporting.
- Enhances tenant retention, rents, and asset value.
- Mitigates risks like poor IEQ; voluntary but competitive edge.
- Builds stakeholder trust via verified performance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification (3 years).
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Requires third-party reviews and testing; crosswalks with LEED.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ENERGY STAR | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Energy efficiency in products, buildings, plants | Human health, well-being in built environments |
| Industry | All sectors, U.S./Canada focus, any size | Real estate, offices, global applicability |
| Nature | Voluntary U.S. government certification | Voluntary performance-based certification |
| Testing | Third-party lab, post-market verification 5-20% | On-site performance verification, annual reporting |
| Penalties | Delisting, label removal, no fines | Certification denial, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ENERGY STAR and WELL
ENERGY STAR FAQ
WELL FAQ
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