What is 'Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR?'

‘Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR’ is a new partnership between ENERGY STAR and architects and designers, to promote green home building. House Plans that are ‘Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR’ generally include energy-efficient details and specifications for features such as tight construction and duct systems, properly-installed insulation, high performance windows, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances.

To be designated as ‘Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR,’ a Home Plan must be reviewed and approved by an independent Home Energy Rater (also known as a HERS Rater) who verifies that the plan, if built, will result in a home that is at least 15 percent more energy efficient than the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). Homes Plans that are ‘Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR’ also must specify additional energy-saving construction features, such as properly installed insulation and right-sized heating and cooling equipment, that will typically make them 20–30% more efficient than plans for standard homes.

It is important to note homes built according to ‘Designed to Earn’ Home Plans are not automatically entitled to earn the ENERGY STAR Qualified Home label. To earn this label, your constructed home must also meet EPA field verification requirements to ensure that it meets ENERGY STAR guidelines.

For more information, visit www.energystar.gov