ENERGY STAR Ratings...Does My Home Qualify?

My previous post discussed LEED Certfication, one of the three programs that certify a building or home to be GREEN.  Today I will focus on ENERGY STAR.  Most people recognize ENERGY STAR as the  popular program that helps consumers identify effiecient products.  Some common examples include air conditioners, dishwashers, computers, printers, scanners, and other household appliances. It is also a qualification awarded to homes and buildings by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).


The correct definition of an ENERGY STAR qualified home is one that is 15% more efficient then the average baseline home, taking into account structural attributes, mechanical systems, and appliances.  A home inspection is done by an Energy Rater to verify energy-efficiency measures.

The qualification is available for homes three stories or less including single, attached, low-rise multifamily, manufactured, modular, log, and concrete.  A qualified home displays an ENERGY STAR label.

ENERGY STAR is also available for commercial buildings but based on a point scale.  If you would like to read more about this program visit http://www.ENERGYSTAR.gov.

My next post will focus on HERS (Home Energy Rating System).