ENERGY STAR® Certification
ENERGY STAR® Certifications for new home construction are based on the Home Energy Ratings System (HERS), as developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). HERS Ratings require on-site inspections during construction by a Residential Energy Efficiency Professional, who has been trained and certified by RESNET. RESNET standards are officially recognized by the U.S. mortgage industry, the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program, and the Department of Energy's Building America Program.
The certification process begins with a building plan evaluation. Energy improvement measures are determined, assisted by a simulation of the home's energy use with specialized, ENERGY STAR approved computer software and a Projected Rating prepared. (As of November 2008, this simulation and Projected Rating is required by the Michigan Uniform Energy Code prior to issuance of a building permit.)
An on-site inspection is conducted after the building has been insulated and before drywall is started. The Thermal Bypass Checklist must be completed for a home to earn the ENERGY STAR label. The Checklist items relate to construction techniques that can compromise the air barrier and thermal barrier of the home by allowing air to flow through or around insulation. Items are inspected and non-complying work is identified to the builder for correction prior to final inspection.
Conducted after the house is completed and before occupancy by the owner, the final on-site inspection consists of a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house), a duct blaster test (to test the leakiness of the duct system), and completion of the thermal bypass checklist.