A commercial energy rating involves an analysis of a building construction plans and onsite inspections. Based on the buildings plans, the Commercial Energy Rater uses an energy efficiency software package to perform an energy analysis of the Building's design. This analysis yields a projected, pre-construction  Index.

Upon completion of the plan review, the rater will work with the builder to identify the energy efficiency improvements needed to ensure the building will meet performance guidelines. The rater then conducts onsite inspections, typically including a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the building) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are used to generate the Index for the building.