To get started, you'll need to work with a Home Energy Rater. You can find a list of Home Energy Raters using our ENERGY STAR New Homes Partner Locator. Your rater will review your home plans to determine if they meet ENERGY STAR guidelines and make recommendations to improve energy efficiency, if necessary. During the construction process, the rater will also conduct inspections and perform diagnostic tests to ensure that your home qualifies to earn the ENERGY STAR.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. EPA. These homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes built to code and achieve a 20% improvement on average. ENERGY STAR certified homes can include a variety of 'tried-and-true' energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution, including effective insulation, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, high performance windows, and efficient products.
Visit the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Requirements page to learn more.