Programs

Energy Programs and other Organizations

Energy and Sustainability Organizations
Guarantee Programs
Standard Setting and Trade Organizations
Other Organizations

Energy and Sustainability Organizations

EnergyStar™ A program of the US EPA. From a builder's perspective, Energy Star is primarily a marketing tool. The program relies on energy raters to provide the backbone of technical support to the building community. Energy Star has achieved market transformation in some markets, specifically Phoenix and Las Vegas. There are multiple opportunities to use Energy Star resources to position a company's energy efficiency efforts. Of all programs, Energy Star has the greatest brand recognition.

Built Green™ A program of the HBA of Metro Denver. Built Green is the most successful "green building" program in the country. Market penetration and brand recognition have been growing steadily. The recent introduction of a tiered performance system, awarding recognition for greater performance and verification levels has given the program a wider range of options for builder participation. The program also conducts a wide variety of educational events for the building community. Verification is provided by energy raters.

Building America A program of the Department of Energy. Primarily a means of bringing building science consultants together with production builders to improve the performance of homes across the country. By funding four competing consulting organizations, Building America has had a positive impact on the state of building science knowledge and dissemination. Click here to see the list of Building America partners.

EEBA The Energy and Environmental Building Association. A membership organization that provides its members with educational opportunities to learn of the latest in building science. The annual conference is the primary activity and brings together the best and brightest of the building science industry.

Colorado New Home Choices A collaboration between the City of Fort Collins and E-Star Colorado to increase public awareness of high-performance homes and the issues surrounding them.

USGBC LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

Guarantee Programs

Environments for Living A program operated by Masco Contractor Services. A three level program that guarantees energy use and comfort at various levels. A relatively comprehensive program that uses Advanced Energy out of North Carolina as its technical resource.

Engineered for Life A program of Greenfiber. Very similar to the Masco Program both in scope and pricing.

In-House Guarantee Programs

Many builders have opted to create their own, in-house, guarantee programs. This option allows the builder to tailor a program for their own needs and comfort level.

Standard Setting and Trade Organizations

ACCA Air-Conditioning Contractors of America. An organization of contractors whose goal is to help contractors be successful. A large part of their effort is education and awareness of good practice.

ASHRAE The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers. A body that sets many of the standards that govern good heating and cooling system design and installation.

NAIMA North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Trade organization for insulation manufacturers. Sets standards and conducts research.

RESNET The Residential Energy Services Network. The overseeing body for the energy rating industry. Standards are set in conjunction with the mortgage lending industry to provide a sound technical and ethical foundation for the performance of energy ratings.