The PEER Certification (Performance Evaluation and Energy Rating) is a type of assessment that provides information about a building’s or home’s energy efficiency. It evaluates various aspects of building design, including insulation, heating and cooling systems, windows, and lighting, to determine how energy-efficient the structure is. The purpose of PEER certification is to promote energy-efficient building design and construction, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
PEER certification is based on a comprehensive rating system that considers various factors such as building orientation, envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances. The rating system assigns a PEER score to the building based on its energy performance compared to a benchmark building. The higher the PEER score, the more energy-efficient the building is considered to be.
PEER certification is crucial for building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors as it establishes a benchmark for energy efficiency and guides decision-making related to design, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, it can be used as a marketing tool to showcase a building’s energy-saving features and attract tenants or buyers interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings. Moreover, PEER certification helps building owners reduce energy costs, lower their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The PEER rating system assigns a score to a building based on its energy performance compared to a benchmark building. The benchmark represents a typical building with standard design and construction practices. The score is calculated using a proprietary software tool that analyzes the building’s energy performance based on various inputs, including orientation, exterior insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and appliances.
The PEER score is then converted into a rating scale ranging from “Very Poor” to “Superior”. A building with a “Exceptional” PEER rating is considered highly energy-efficient, while a building rated “Very Poor” is relatively inefficient. The PEER rating system provides building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors with an energy efficiency benchmark that helps guide design, construction, and maintenance decisions.
It is important to note that the PEER rating system is continuously evolving as new data and insights become available. The system is regularly reviewed and updated to remain relevant and effective in promoting energy-efficient building design and construction.
The Parksmart Certification is a rating system aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of parking facilities, reducing their environmental impact, and improving the user experience.
Both PEER and Parksmart certifications establish industry-wide standards for sustainable design and operational excellence.