Buildings

ENERGY STAR Background

In 1992 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] introduced the ENERGY STAR program as a way for manufacturers to voluntarily conform to energy efficiency guidelines and to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers were the first products addressed by the program, and by 1995 the program was broadened to include residential heating and cooling equipment. Read more about the history of ENERGY STAR.

About ENERGY STAR Homes

Because consumers recognize the ENERGY STAR brand and its merits, more than 2,000 builders are now partnering with the EPA as part of their ENERGY STAR program for homes. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes must be independently certified to meet the more rigorous of these two standards:

At least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC)
At least 15 percent more efficient than the state's energy code

The efficiency savings are calculated based on the home's heating, cooling and hot water energy usage. Builders typically achieve the savings by a combination of methods, such as improving the building envelope, installing better windows, controlling air infiltration, installing better HVAC systems and water heaters, and making duct systems tighter. In addition to lowering energy demand, these changes often contribute to the home's quality and homeowner comfort. As participants in the ENERGY STAR program, builders are also encouraged to use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and to integrate features that help improve indoor air quality.

Single-family and multi-family homes up to three stories high are eligible for inclusion in the ENERGY STAR program, whether they are stick-built, systems-built, modular or HUD-code manufactured homes. Existing homes are also eligible, and more information about home improvement is available online.

Qualification Process

Before receiving the ENERGY STAR label and certificate, the new home's energy efficiency must be certified by a third party verifier. The type of verification required is dependent on the type of home being built. On-site homes are usually verified by an accredited Home Energy Ratings Systems [HERS] specialist or by a Builder Option Package [BOP] verifier. BOPs are a predefined set of construction specifications for a specific climate zone, with the nation divided into 19 different climate zones.

Builder Benefits
ENERGY STAR home builders see many benefits:

Market differentiation and recognition
Enhanced customer satisfaction
Increased revenue
Program flexibility
EPA Support for Builders

Homeowner Benefits
Most owners of ENERGY STAR qualified homes can expect financial savings of $200-$400 on utility bills each year, while reducing energy consumption for environmental reasons. The same ENERGY STAR features that make the home energy efficient also often contribute to reduced noise levels and increased comfort for the homeowners.

More Information

EPA Names Advanced Energy 2007 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year®

Accredited Builders and Raters

Advanced Energy has been an accredited ENERGY STAR home energy rater since 2001. Since that time, we have certified more than 1600 homes as being compliant with the program. In developing broader building science advocacy programs for sponsoring utilities and manufacturers, Advanced Energy often recommends inclusion of the ENERGY STAR certification — taking advantage of consumers' growing awareness of the ENERGY STAR brand.

Search for ENERGY STAR raters