EPA Proposes Changes to Energy Star Homes Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened the public comment period on revisions to the guidelines for Energy Star-qualified homes. The new proposed guidelines, referred to as Energy Star 2011, are intended to ensure that homes earning the Energy Star label continue to represent meaningful energy efficiency improvements over homes built to code or standard building practices.

Energy Star 2011 guidelines include several new requirements to ensure a comprehensive approach to building science and put greater emphasis on installation of high-efficiency equipment and products such as lighting, appliances, efficient water distribution systems, and low-flow water fixtures. The guidelines also consider state energy code requirements by giving such code requirements precedence over Energy Star Reference Design and mandatory elements; when a state's energy code is more rigorous than Energy Star, it will replace Energy Star's mandatory elements.

The public comment period is open through July 10, 2009.

For more, view the Custom Home Magazine article or download information about the proposed Energy Star 2011 requirements.