Energy Efficiency Changes and Opportunities in Above Code Programs Afternoon Program Sponsored by:

Energy Efficiency Changes and Opportunities in Above Code Programs

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ENERGY STAR Version 3 What’s New

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Course Overview

Section 1: Partnering with ENERGY STARSection 2: ENERGY STAR Resources for BuildersSection 3: ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3Section 4: Insulation StrategiesSection 5: Other Resources

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Section 1: Partnering with ENERGY STAR

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Working with a Rater

A critical element of partnering with ENERGY STAR as a builder is working with a Home Energy Rater*. Your Rater can work with you to:

• Evaluate home plans to pinpoint specific improvements needed to qualify your homes for the ENERGY STAR label

• Provide field verificationincluding independent inspections and testing required for your homes to earn the ENERGY STAR

• Assist with program participationincluding helping you fully understand the ENERGY STAR for New Homes guidelines

• Provide training for your construction staff and subcontractors

• Provide marketing assistanceincluding integrating ENERGY STAR tools and messages

NOTE: *The term “rater" refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for qualification. This party may be a certified HERS Rater, BOP Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a Verification Oversight Organization such as RESNET.

5Section 1: Partnering with ENERGY STAR

Reporting Qualified Homes to EPA

Quarterly UpdatesRaters, through their Accredited Providers, submit quarterly updates to EPA for the number and location of ENERGY STAR qualified homes constructed by each builder. Only Accredited Providers can report ENERGY STAR qualified homes directly to EPA through an on-line reporting system.

Inactive Partnership Based on ReportingAt least one ENERGY STAR qualified home must be reported to EPA within 12 months to maintain an active partnership. If not, your partnership will be made inactive and you will be notified via e-mail (you will also receive a warning e-mail 3 months before).

– If you receive an ‘inactive e-mail’ from EPA and believe it to be in error, you should contact your rater to determine why your homes were not reported.

– When a new ENERGY STAR qualified home is reported to EPA, your partnership will be automatically re-activated.

6Section 1: Partnering with ENERGY STAR

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ENERGY STAR Labels

• Labeling RequirementENERGY STAR builder partners must ensure that an ENERGY STAR label is completed and affixed to the circuit breaker box (or other suitable location) on all qualified homes. This is the ‘proof’ that the home has earned the ENERGY STAR.

• Source of LabelsEPA provides ENERGY STAR labels to Accredited Providers for free. The Provider will distribute the completed label to your Rater or directly to you to post in the home.

Section 2: ENERGY STAR Resources

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Smaller Homes

Energy Wise, LLC

May 3, 2006

HERS INDEX - 80

V2.5

Section 2: ENERGY STAR Resources for Builders

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ENERGY STAR Resources

• Partner PrivilegesAs an ENERGY STAR partner, you have access to a variety of resources at no cost.

• Accessing ResourcesAll resources are available on the ENERGY STAR Web site (www.energystar.gov/homes) in the “Resources for Partners” section.

• Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can also review a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the program at www.energystar.gov/faqs.

9Section 2: ENERGY STAR Resources

Marketing and Educational Resources

Selling the value of ENERGY STAR– Builder partners construct homes to strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency

and quality construction.– To benefit from this commitment, you must educate prospective homebuyers

about the features and benefits of your ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes.– EPA offers a number of marketing and education resources at no charge to help.– Visit www.energystar.gov/homes and look for the links to “Educational

Resources” and “Marketing Resources.”


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ENERGY STAR Marks

Brand RecognitionOver 75 percent of Americans recognize the ENERGY STAR logo as the symbol for energy efficiency. Thus, the ENERGY STAR identity is a valuable asset that must be properly used and protected.

Brand IntegrityEnsuring that the ENERGY STAR name and logo are properly used protects all partner’s investment in the program—and consumer confidence in the ENERGY STAR program.

Brand EnforcementProper use of the ENERGY STAR logo is strictly enforced and must be in compliance with the ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines (available at www.energystar.gov/logos).


Certification Mark

Partnership Mark

Promotional Mark

Linkage Phrase Marks

Identity Guidelines

While partners should review the complete ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines, key points include:

• Trademark ViolationsThe logos may never be associated with homes that have not been qualified as ENERGY STAR.

• Logo and Text Cannot be ChangedThe ENERGY STAR logos may not be altered, cut apart, separated, or otherwise distorted in perspective or appearance.

• Logo ColorThe preferred color for the mark is ENERGY STAR blue (100% Cyan), but black and white are also acceptable.

• Builder ResponsibilityBuilder partners are responsible for the proper use of the ENERGY STAR logos in all applications, including when the partner authorizes outside vendors to develop materials that use the logo on their behalf.


Marketing Toolkit

It’s All About You and Your Homes– Use EPA’s free Marketing Toolkit to create customized

promotional materials to help you educate prospective homebuyers about the features and benefits of your ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

– Customize with company-specific information, such as your web site address and logo, preferred consumer messaging, and your specific ENERGY STAR qualified home features and benefits.

• Lots of Options- Point-of-sale flyers - Display cards - On-line web tools

• Easy AccessOnce your partnership is activated, access the Marketing Toolkit with your user name and password through MESA.


Partner Locator

Attract BuyersEPA maintains a Partner Locator that homebuyers can use to find ENERGY STAR

builder partners in their area.

Builder Listings– The metro area where your listing appears is initially determined by your

company’s office address.– Additional metro areas are added as you build ENERGY STAR qualified

homes in new locations and they are reported to EPA.– Builder partners can differentiate their company listing on the Partner Locator

through web-linking and the 100% commitment.

Source of DataThe number of homes displayed on the Partner Locator come from reports submitted to EPA by your Home Energy Rater’s Accredited Provider.

– If this number is not accurate, please contact your Rater directly.– Note that there will be a delay from the time that the home is built and labeled

to the time that the home appears on the Partner Locator. This is to allow for reporting of data to ENERGY STAR and approval of submissions by EPA.


Partner Locator : Web-Linking

Partners can have a web link established from the Partner Locator to their own company web site. To qualify, the partner’s web site must:

Display the ENERGY STAR name and logo in compliance with the Brand Identity Guidelines;

Provide a reciprocal link to (or reference to) the www.energystar.gov web site; and

Include a brief description of your participation in ENERGY STAR.

Information on web-linking can be found at: www.energystar.gov/weblinking. If you would like to establish a web link and your site meets the above requirements, e-mail [email protected] to request a review of your web page.


Partner Locator: 100% Commitment

EPA provides a special 100% icon on the Partner Locator for builders who have committed to building all of their homes to the ENERGY STAR guidelines.

• 100% CommitmentTo make the 100% commitment, visit www.energystar.gov/mesa.

• Renewal RequirementThis commitment must be renewed annually (you will receive a reminder e-mail). EPA will remove the 100% icon from your listing if this commitment is not renewed.

• 100% Commitment CertificateOnce you have made the 100% commitment, you can download a certificate highlighting your status as a 100% ENERGY STAR builder.

• Mandatory Update to EPAIf you sign up for 100% commitment and later find that you cannot meet this responsibility, you must contact EPA immediately to notify of the change in your status.


Consumer Information

Materials Available Free brochures and fact sheets are available to partners to educate prospective homebuyers about the benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes.

Ordering Materials – Visit: www.energystar.gov/publications. – Free shipping of all printed materials is provided.

Downloading MaterialsMaterials can be downloaded in PDF at www.energystar.gov/homes, under the link for “Marketing Resources.”


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Awards and Recognition

EPA provides recognition to builder partners for labeling and promoting ENERGY STAR qualified homes:


• Leadership in Housing AwardsEach year, EPA recognizes builder partners that achieve specific levels of accomplishment with “Leadership in Housing Awards.”

• Partner of the Year Awards EPA recognizes partners’ special achievements transforming their markets to ENERGY STAR. These awards are presented at the annual ENERGY STAR Awards banquet and reception in Washington D.C.

For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/awards

Section 3: ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3

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ENERGY STAR Version 3: Background

Time for Change:

In 2010, EPA released new guidelines for homes to earn the ENERGY STAR label (referred to as ‘Version 3’). These were developed in response to critical external forces:

– As new national and regional energy codes were rapidly increasing, new guidelines were needed to ensure that ENERGY STAR qualified homes continued to represent a meaningful improvement in energy efficiency over homes built to code and standard building practices.

– Augmenting the guidelines with cost-effective energy efficiency technologies and building science practices will help improve home efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality of ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

20Section 3: ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3

ENERGY STAR Version 3: Resources

Technical ResourcesField guides and technical presentations have been developed to help builders successfully implement the requirements of ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3.

Where to Find ResourcesAll Version 3 documents are available at www.energystar.gov/homes under “Guidelines and Technical Resources.”


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ENERGY STAR Version 3: Major Changes

Variable vs. Fixed HERS ScoreInstead of a fixed HERS Score, a variable HERS Index Target Score is calculated for each home by applying a set of specifications called the ENERGY STAR Reference Design.

Renewables

Unlike Version 2 of the guidelines, you can take credit for renewable energy systems, but only to help large homes meet the additional efficiency required by the Size Adjustment Factor.


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Size Adjustment Factor

– Homes larger than the average size for a specified number of bedrooms (called the ‘Benchmark Home Size’) must apply a Size Adjustment Factor that will reduce the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. This will increase the energy efficiency requirements for larger homes.

– Bedrooms and floor area in basements that are mostly below grade are excluded when determining a home’s Benchmark Home Size, comparing the home against the Benchmark Home Size, and calculating the Size Adjustment Factor.


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Variable vs. Fixed HERS ScoreInstead of a fixed HERS Score, a variable HERS Index Target Score is calculated for each home by applying a set of specifications called the ENERGY STAR Reference Design.

ChecklistsTo earn the ENERGY STAR label, all homes must now be inspected for compliance with a new set of checklists.

Two checklists are to be completed by the Home Energy Rater,One checklist by your HVAC contractor, and One checklist by you, the builder.

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ENERGY STAR Version 3: Overview

Under the new guidelines, homes earn the ENERGY STAR meeting a combination of core energy efficiency measures and mandatory inspection checklists.

Inspection Checklists

The mandatory inspection checklists ensure that additional building science features are included in qualified homes.


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ENERGY STAR Version 3: Overview

The core energy efficiency features can be met using either:

• Prescriptive Path– The home is designed and built to a pre-defined set of specifications (called the “ENERGY

STAR Reference Design”) for the climate where the home will be built. No trade-offs are allowed.

– The ENERGY STAR Reference Design provides efficiency requirements for the building envelope, HVAC and water heating equipment, lighting, and appliances.

– Only homes the same or smaller than their corresponding Benchmark Home may use this path.

• Performance Path– A rater models the home to establish an ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target for the home.

For homes larger than their Benchmark Home, this ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target will take into account the Size Adjustment Factor.

– The builder then has the flexibility to select a custom set of energy-efficiency measures to earn the ENERGY STAR label for the home, so long as the home’s HERS Index Target threshold is met or exceeded.


Qualifying Homes Under Version 3

1. Check eligibility.2. Check Benchmark Home Size.3. Select Version 3 energy efficiency measures.

1. Build the home using the ENERGY STAR Reference Design.

2. Complete the inspection checklists.

Prescriptive Path

1. Model the home and create the ENERGY STAR Reference Home.

2. If the home is larger than the Benchmark Home Size, apply the Size Adjustment Factor to find the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target.

3. Select upgrades that meet the mandatory requirements and achieve a HERS Index ≤ ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target.

4. Complete the inspection checklists.

These steps are new and will be performed by your rater.

These steps are the same as under Version 2.

Performance Path

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Homes can be qualified through the Prescriptive Path when:

• The home is the same size or smaller than the Benchmark Home Size;

• The home has been designed and constructed to the ENERGY STAR Reference Design with no trade-offs; and

• The home passes all required tests and meets the requirements of the Inspection Checklists.


Using the Prescriptive Path

Using the Performance Path

• The ENERGY STAR Reference Home is used to set the performance threshold that each home qualified under the Performance Path must meet. This threshold is called the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target.

• Your rater will configure a customized ENERGY STAR Reference Home for the home you want to build.

Section 3: ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 29

Using the Performance Path

If the home you want to build is larger than the Benchmark Home Size, they will apply a Size Adjustment Factor. The Benchmark Home Size is defined by the table below:

Remember that bedrooms and square footage in basements that are mostly below-grade are not counted when finding the Benchmark Home Size.

Your rater will use the ENERGY STAR Reference Home and the Size Adjustment Factor to create an ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. This is the performance threshold that the home you want to build must meet to earn the ENERGY STAR.


Bedrooms 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

CFA 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200

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• Select upgradesThe builder has the flexibility to select a custom set of energy efficiency specifications, so long as the resulting HERS Index meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target and other requirements (e.g., minimum efficiency for windows, insulation) are met.

• VerificationThe home must be designed and constructed to the customized specifications and pass all required inspections and testing.

Performance Path Compliance

Section 3: ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 31

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ENERGY STAR Version 3: HERS Rater Checklists

Checklists to be completed by your Home Energy Rater:

• Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist– This checklist is designed to ensure that the exterior building

shell/envelope of ENERGY STAR qualified homes are optimized for efficiency and durability.

– This checklist replaces the Thermal Bypass Checklist that was part of the last ENERGY STAR for Homes guidelines.

• HVAC Quality Installation Rater Checklist– This checklist is used to verify that the home’s ductwork and ventilation

system have been installed properly, and provides additional validation of HVAC contractors’ work.


ENERGY STAR Version 3: HVAC Contractor Checklist

Checklist completed by your HVAC Contractor:

• HVAC Quality Installation Contractor Checklist • This checklist ensures that the heating and cooling systems in

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are designed and installed according to industry-accepted quality installation practices.

• Only HVAC contractors who have demonstrated the requisite skills and capabilities to perform HVAC Quality Installations will be permitted to complete this checklist.

• To ensure that your HVAC contractor is credentialed, you can refer to a list provided through the ENERGY STAR Web site.


ENERGY STAR Version 3: Builder Checklist

Water Management System Builder Checklist• This checklist requires an inspection of key areas of ENERGY STAR

qualified homes to help assure bulk moisture control, including water-managed foundation, walls, roofs, and building materials.

• This checklist must be completed by the site supervisor or other qualified individual on the builder’s staff.

• Your Rater may also verify items on the checklist; however, you as the builder are responsible for accuracy of all checklist requirements.

• Completed and signed checklist should be provided to your Home Energy Rater to keep with the home’s ENERGY STAR file.

• As an alternative to completing this checklist, the house can be qualified under EPA’s Indoor airPLUS program


Special Considerations

• When local codes or manufacturer’s guidance meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements, the more rigorous requirements must be met.

• When codes or manufacturer’s guidance conflicts with ENERGY STAR requirements, work with your rater to determine if there’s an alternate way to achieve the intent of the ENERGY STAR requirement. If there is no equivalent option, then the ENERGY STAR requirement can be waived and the home can still be qualified.


Section 4. Insulation Strategies

• Innovative insulating & wall assembly strategies – Typical assembly– New innovations

• Features & benefits of each

Typical Site Built Residential Wall

Concept:Site built wood frame wall with exterior sheathing and batt insulation

Components: Exterior Finish (bulk moisture control) Building wrap Exterior sheathing 2x4 Studs @16” O.C. Batt Insulation (+/- 3.7 R per inch) Gypsum board

Benefits:Relatively low cost

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ICF

Site-built

Typical Site Built Residential Wall

Key performance deficiencies

Low effective R-value

Difficulty meeting IECC 2012 R-value requirements with 2x4 stud cavity

Thermal bridging due to non-continuous insulation

Air leakage points

No vapor control layer

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Innovative SolutionsStructural Insulated Panels (SIP)

Concept: EPS or Polyurethane sandwiched between sheathing to create a highly insulated wall

Components: Moisture barrier control layer Wood sheathing Rigid foam insulation core EPS - R-3 to R-4.5 per inch

or Closed cell spray foam insulation – R-6 to R-7 per inch 2x4 or 2x6 Studs

Benefits: R-value increases with thickness of SIP Minimal thermal bridging Panelization creates labor and construction cycling benefits Can achieve R-21 to R-55 in the whole assembly

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Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)Key Performance Metrics

Code & Above Compliance: Can meet wall insulation requirements for all climate zones at 4 inch

thickness

Key Control Layer Placement: Thermal– rigid insulation Vapor– exterior finish Bulk moisture- exterior cladding Air- rigid insulation

Applicability per climate Zone: Suitable for all climate zones

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Innovative SolutionsInsulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

Concept:EPS blocks are together and filled with concrete to create a highly insulated wall

Components:Exterior Finish

Moisture barrier

Rigid foam insulation, R-3 to R-4.5 per inch Concrete Rebar

Benefits:High R-value increases with thickness of ICFHigh resistance to severe weather/ high wind speedsPotential for HVAC equipment size reduction

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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)Key Performance metrics

Code & Above Compliance: Meets wall insulation requirements for all climate zones

Key Control Layer Placement: Thermal– rigid insulation Vapor– exterior finish Bulk moisture- exterior finish Air- exterior finish


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Innovative SolutionsHybrid cavity with continuous exterior insulation

Concept:Typical site built stud wall with a flash coat of closed cell SPF in the cavity, and your favorite fibrous insulation filling the rest of the cavity

Components:Insulated exterior sheathing

Integral moisture control layer Separate moisture control layer

Closed cell SPF 1-2 inches @ R-6.7 per inch

Air permeable insulation, avg 3.7 R per inch 2x4 or 2x6 Studs Gypsum board

Benefits:Reduced air infiltration due to air sealing properties of spray foamSPF can be vapor permeable or a vapor barrier depending on thicknessIncreased R-value without significantly increased depthPotential for HVAC equipment size reductionSuitable for walls and ceilings

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Hybrid Insulation WallKey performance metrics

Code & Above Compliance: Meets insulation requirements for all climate zones using 2x4 construction

Key Control Layer Placement: Thermal– High density foam, air permeable insulation Vapor– Joint sealed exterior continuous insulation Bulk moisture- exterior cladding Air- Closed cell SPF, Joint sealed exterior continuous insulation


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Section 5: Other Resources

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Other EPA programs

• EPA Indoor airPLUS This label recognizes new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of Indoor Air Quality features.

– Indoor airPLUS verification can be completed by your Home Energy Rater during the ENERGY STAR verification process.

– Builders participating in the Indoor airPLUS program do not need to complete the ENERGY STAR Water Management System Builder Checklist.

– For more information, visit www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.

• EPA WaterSense This label is for new homes designed to reduce residential water use indoors and outdoors, compared to typical new homes.

– For more information and to become a partner, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

46Section 5: Other Important Resources

Manufactured Homes–There are specialized ENERGY STAR guidelines and 3rd Party verification procedures for manufactured homes–Manufacturing plants must first be certified to produce ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured homes–A site installation checklist must be completed for every home before it earns the ENERGY STAR label.–For more information visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_builder_manufactured

ENERGY STAR QualifiedManufactured Homes

Section 5: Other Important Resources 47

Modular Homes• Must meet the same ENERGY STAR guidelines as site-built

homes• Two independent third-party verification options:

Conventional HERS Rating with field verificationAlternate verification process where modules provided by a

plant qualified to produce ENERGY STAR qualified modular homes and a site inspection by a Home Energy Rater (note different reporting and labeling procedures for this verification process)

• For more information visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.homes_guidelns_modular

ENERGY STAR QualifiedModular Homes

48Section 5: Other Important Resources

Questions about Tax Credits or Financing?The best place to find information about energy efficiency tax

credits is www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.• Note that there are currently no Federal tax credits tied specifically

to ENERGY STAR qualified homes (with the exception of manufactured homes).

For information about special financing available to buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified homes, visit www.energystar.gov/mortgages.

Section 5: Other Important Resources 49

THANK YOU!

Christopher Little, Senior Advisor,

Center for Building Excellence Email: [email protected]

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Energy Efficiency Changes and Opportunities in Above Code Programs Afternoon Program Sponsored by: