At Cushman & Wakefield, we are at the forefront of this transformation, having helped certify more than 40,000 buildings with the ENERGY STAR® distinction. Starting this fall, our Sustainability Services team will offer more to help our clients meet their net-zero targets, including NextGen™, a new ENERGY STAR® certification program that aims to not only recognize energy efficient and low-carbon buildings, but also reduce the national percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from commercial spaces each year.
An extension of the ENERGY STAR® commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, the NextGen™ certification program uses the same reporting processes to encourage efficient building operation and reduce energy demand on the grid—but it is specifically designed to certify buildings that use renewables to lessen a building’s energy dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For building operators, NextGen™ is a sustainability certification win that helps organizations not only lower monthly energy bills but also meet net-zero targets.
To earn NextGen™ recognition, buildings must achieve an ENERGY STAR® score of 75 or higher and use renewable energy to meet at least 30% of their total energy consumption—or 100% of their total electricity consumption. In addition, buildings must meet specified greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi) targets. The focus of NextGen™’ on measuring and tracking GHGi makes it a critical asset to ensure compliance with increasingly sophisticated regulations. Through December 2025, commercial buildings may qualify for both ENERGY STAR® and NextGen™ certifications. However, starting in 2026, buildings may qualify for only one certification each year.
Our Sustainability Services team is well-versed in meeting the high-performance standards set by the EPA and understanding the complexities of the ENERGY STAR® certification process. Advanced certifications like NextGen™ help our clients achieve do so much more than meet energy goals and save on energy costs: They help to ensure a sustainable future—for our cities and the buildings within them.
Insights
Boosting Renewables and Cutting Emissions with ENERGY STAR® NextGen™
From Seattle to Minneapolis to Boston, cities across the country are embracing greener futures—and the buildings within them must adapt. But for buildings to meet carbon footprint reductions and net-zero targets, innovative sustainability measures are essential.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
Prepare your real estate portfolio for the challenges ahead by partnering with Cushman & Wakefield’s Energy & Sustainability team.
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