Hoffman Estates High School has earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Certification for its building. The accomplishment was recognized by the board of education at its April 14 meeting.

“Through communicating energy-efficient strategies and teamwork, Hoffman Estates High School achieved the award for the first time in the building’s history,” said Nicholas Jahnke, facilities engineer at District 211.

“Since 2010, Hoffman Estates High School has increased their energy-efficiency each year by monitoring building usage patterns and implementing cost-saving measures.”

Schaumburg High School also received a 2016 Energy Star Award in February. Increasing energy efficiency at Hoffman Estates High School raised the building’s energy score from 56 to 75, which signifies an energy reduction of 17.8 percent from 2010.

District 211 has participated in the Energy Star program since 2004, and has lowered costs by $13.5 million since the first year.

To earn the award, a building must meet a strict set of criteria. The most energy-efficient buildings are nationally ranked and the top 25 percent in the country are given this recognition. It’s based on the EPA’s point system.

Palatine, Fremd, and Conant high schools qualify to submit for the 2016 award this fall.

To learn more about the EPA Energy Star Certification, visit www.energystar.gov/about/awards.