What You Need to Know About EPA’s ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program Learn more at energystar.gov 1

Agenda The Basics Certification Process and Key Roles More About the Program Guidelines Resources

The Basics

What’s the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program? A label for homes (“certified homes”) A partnership for builders, raters, architects, and sponsors of ENERGY STAR certified homes

Program Requirements Each ENERGY STAR certified home is independently verified to be at least 15% more energy efficient than a home built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and includes additional measures that deliver a total energy efficiency improvement of 20-30% compared to a typical new home. A full list of program requirements is listed at:

Who Can Partner? Builders and developers Home Energy Raters and Providers (3rd party verifiers) Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors (EEPS: utilities, state energy offices, local governments, etc.) Manufacturers of modular/manufactured homes Architects Sign your partnership agreement at:

Who Cannot Partner? HVAC contractors* Other contractors (insulation, dry-wallers, etc.) Real estate agents Resources for these stakeholders are available at: *HVAC contractors still play an important role in the ENERGY STAR certification process as discussed in the next section

Program Benefits Builders: market differentiation, increased energy efficiency, value, comfort, and durability, process & quality control Raters: process & quality control HVAC contractors: market differentiation, expanded market offering, process & quality control EEPS: achieve demand side management goals, meet regulatory obligations, environmental protection Homeowners: lower utility bills, comfort & durable home

Training Requirements Builders: hour-long online orientation course Raters: ENERGY STAR Rater Training through an Accredited Training Provider HVAC contractors: proper credentialing through a third party oversight organization More information at

Certification Process and Key Roles

Certification Process Overview 1.Build the home using the ENERGY STAR Reference Design. 2.Complete the inspection checklists. 3.Have Rater Verify Home 4.Place ENERGY STAR certification label on breaker box and provide homeowner with ENERGY STAR certificate. Prescriptive Path 1.Model the home and find the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. 2.Select upgrades that achieve a HERS Index ≤ ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target and meet other program requirements. 3.Complete the inspection checklists. 4.Have Rater Verify Home 5.Place ENERGY STAR certification label on breaker box and provide homeowner with ENERGY STAR certificate. Performance Path

Home Energy Rater’s Role Raters provide: Third party verification Quality assurance A deep knowledge of building science Raters are trained to: Evaluate energy efficiency features and construction techniques Take key measurements Perform inspections Provide answers to common questions

HVAC Contractor’s Role Builders must work with a credentialed HVAC contractor to gain the ENERGY STAR certification. A builder’s current HVAC contractor can go through the credentialing process, or the builder can search for credentialed contractors in their area. Visit for more information.

EEPS’ Role ENERGY STAR as a platform for energy efficiency programs Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors (EEPS) can provide financial incentives, technical support, training, outreach, and marketing Include utilities, electric cooperatives, state agencies, municipal governments, home builders associations, and other organizations More information at:

More About the Program Guidelines

Recent Changes More stringent core efficiency measures New inspection checklists Move from features to systems Additional Quality Assurance New marketing platform: “Better is Better”

Value in Every Certified Home

Guarantees that efficiency measures are included in every certified home

Value in Every Certified Home Sets standards for often- overlooked details that have a critical impact on efficiency, comfort, quality, & durability Reflects 15 years of experience from EPA, researchers, industry, and thousands of partners like you

Value in Every Certified Home Unmatched value proposition for the homeowner: Lower utility bills Better comfort, durability, and quality A more livable home

Value Through Building Science If you want your homes to be.. Building science says to have a.. 123

Thermal Enclosure System 1 Features – High-quality insulation installation – High-performance windows & doors – Tightly sealed home – Reduced thermal bridging in walls

Thermal Enclosure System 1 Why is this important? – A well-insulated and air-sealed home, with good windows and doors, reduces the amount of energy needed to keep the home comfortable.

Complete HVAC System 2 Features – A right-sized and properly installed heating, cooling, and duct system – A ventilation system that meets the industry standard – Reduced safety and air quality risks from combustion appliances

Complete HVAC System 2 Why is this important? – Improved airflow & efficiency maintain comfort with less energy – Proper sizing costs less and better manages humidity levels – Ventilation systems remove indoor air pollutants, provide outdoor air, and filter dust and particles

Water Management System 3 Features – Water-managed roof, walls, foundation, site, and building materials

Water Management System 3 Why is this important? – Prolonged moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings can cause rot and mold, hurting durability. – Wet walls, floors, and ceilings in air- sealed homes don’t dry as quickly; therefore, it’s more important to not let them get wet.

Resources

Residential Professional Page

Consumer Brochures

Fact Sheets Thermal Enclosure Water Management Heating and Cooling Lighting and Appliances Independent Testing and Verification

Webinars

Social Media Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/energystarhomes Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/energystar

Additional Resources Partnership Agreementswww.energystar.gov/homesPA Program Guidelines & Inspection Checklists Recorded presentationswww.energystar.gov/newhomestraining Partner Locatorwww.energystar.gov/partnerlocatorwww.energystar.gov/partnerlocator Builder Orientationwww.energystar.gov/mesa Verifier Trainingresnet.us/energystar HVAC credentialingwww.energystar.gov/newhomeshvac Marketing Resourceswww.energystar.gov/newhomesmarketing Consumer Websitewww.energystar.gov/newhomes