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. EnergyStar 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, EnergyStar has the greatest brand recognition.

Building America — A program of the Department of Energy. This organization is primarily a means of bringing building science consultants together with production builders in order 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. Building America partners are listed below:

EPA WaterSense Partner WaterSense - The US EPA created WaterSense to help protect the future of our nation's water supply. Because residential water use accounts for more than half of the publicly supplied water in the United States, WaterSense has a specification for single-family new homes that use 20% less water than a typical new home. A WaterSense labeled home is primarily a marketing tool that can help your new homeowner's save water now, pay less for utilities every month and protect resources for future generations.

Building America Partners

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions (IBACOS)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

EEBA — The Energy and Environmental Building Association. This is 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.

USGBC LEED for Homes — 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.

LEED for Homes, Where We Stand: A Presentation About the Program

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. It is a relatively comprehensive program, using Advanced Energy, out of North Carolina, as its technical resource.

Engineered for Life — A program of Greenfiber. This program is 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 allows the builder to create a program for its own needs and comfort level.

Standard Setting and Trade Organizations

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

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

NAIMA — North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. This is a trade organization for insulation manufacturers which sets standards and conducts research.

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