Question 1

Who is the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments certification best suited for?

Accepted Answer

This certification is best suited for home builders, developers, and multifamily housing developers who want to differentiate their new construction projects with a nationally recognized energy efficiency label. It is particularly valuable for builders targeting environmentally conscious buyers or those in markets where utility costs are a major purchasing consideration.

Question 2

How much does the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial cost for the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments is $0 USD.

Question 3

What are the renewal requirements for the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

ENERGY STAR certified homes are certified on a per-home or per-unit basis at the time of construction. Builders must maintain their status as an ENERGY STAR partner and continue to meet current program specifications for each new home or apartment they certify. There is no ongoing renewal for individual certified homes once the label is awarded.

Question 4

What continuing education is required for the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

No ongoing CPE/CEU requirements for the certified home itself. Builders and HERS raters must maintain their own professional credentials and EPA partner status separately.

Question 5

What evidence is required for the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

Builders must work with an EPA-recognized ENERGY STAR partner and engage a certified HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rater or equivalent third-party verifier. Documentation includes compliance with ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program requirements, completion of required checklists (thermal enclosure, HVAC, water management), and on-site inspections and blower door/duct leakage testing performed by the third-party rater.

Question 6

Who should NOT pursue the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

Builders or developers focused on retrofitting existing homes should look at other ENERGY STAR programs, as this certification applies only to new construction. Those seeking a more comprehensive green building standard covering materials, water, and indoor air quality may prefer LEED for Homes or the National Green Building Standard.

Question 7

What are alternatives to the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

Alternative certifications include: LEED for Homes, National Green Building Standard (NGBS), Zero Energy Ready Home (DOE), Pearl Certification, Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certification.

Question 8

What is the salary impact of the EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments?

Accepted Answer

ENERGY STAR certified homes typically command a market premium of 2-5% over comparable non-certified homes, according to various real estate studies. For builders, the label can support higher sale prices and access to utility rebate programs, improving project ROI.

EnergyStar Certified - New Homes and Apartments

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