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Energy Performance Goals

Homeowners and builders can choose among different levels of energy efficiency performance. Several existing programs provide better home energy performance than standard code requirements.

  • ENERGY STAR®-qualified new homes are built to strict energy efficiency guidelines using proven technologies and construction practices. On average, these homes are 15 percent more efficient than standard code. Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. new housing market consists of ENERGY STAR-qualified homes. ENERGY STAR is the largest energy certification program in the United States.

  • The next level up in home energy performance is promoted by Environments for Living®. This program, which includes a strict pre-construction plan review, offers homeowners limited guarantees on the heating and cooling portions of their utility bills.

  • The Department of Energy's Building America program offers builders and homeowners very high levels of energy performance. Building America, through cost-shared research and collaboration with leading home builders, has designed and constructed cost-effective homes that save 30 to 40 percent on annual utility bills compared to standard code homes.

  • Fifty percent or greater reductions on utility bills can be achieved by combining highly efficient home designs and construction practices with solar electric and/or thermal systems. This type of home is an important milestone along the path to "net-zero energy homes." The goal is to design and build homes with such high energy efficiency that their heating and cooling needs can be met through solar-based energy with little or no reliance on electricity from utilities. The Department of Energy envisions the building of cost-effective net-zero energy homes by 2020.

Home buyers looking for energy-saving features in their new homes are in good company. Recent surveys show that energy efficiency is the top upgrade that home buyers choose in new homes.