JOIN THE
ENERGY STAR"
PARTNERSHIP
Some builders have a
much bigger picture of the
neighborhood they're creating
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WHAT IS ENERGY STAR?
You have the power to protect our
environment, and the homes you
build are the perfect place to start.
ENERGY STAR can help.
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary government-
backed program helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment
through superior energy efficiency.
New homes earn the ENERGY STAR
by meeting strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). For your
customers, owning a truly energy-
efficient home means they'll enjoy lower
utility bills year in and year out and a
more comfortable living environment.
By partnering with ENERGY STAR and
building ENERGY STAR qualified homes,
your company becomes part of a select,
forward-thinking group. You provide
your customers with a value-added
benefit—energy efficiency—and show
them how to save money, be more
comfortable, and protect our
environment.
Greater energy efficiency can help
us all make the most of our energy
resources, mitigate the impact of high
energy prices, decrease the need for
new power plants, lower our reliance
on energy imports, and reduce the
emissions of greenhouse gases and air
pollutants at the source.
"Our subcontractors send their best crews because they know their work
will be inspected."
ENERGY STAR Partner Astoria Homes, Nevada
A Proven Partnership
Currently, more than 2,500 builders are
ENERGY STAR partners, and 500,000
new homes have earned the label.
Here's how the partnership works:
• Join ENERGY STAR by completing a
Partnership Agreement, a simple form
that explains the proper use of the
ENERGY STAR name and logo.
• Work with a local energy rater to
ensure that your homes are designed
and built to meet the ENERGY STAR
guidelines.
•Affixthe ENERGY STAR label on each
qualifying home.
• Use ENERGY STAR promotional
materials and techniques to gain
market advantage for your energy-
efficient homes.
There is no cost to partner with
ENERGY STAR or to use ENERGY STAR
promotional materials.
Buildings and more than 40 types of
residential and commercial products—
including appliances, lighting, home
office equipment, home electronics, and
heating and cooling equipment—can
also earn the ENERGY STAR.
THOUSANDS OF BUILDERS HAVE
CHOSEN TO QUALIFY THEIR
HO MESAS ENERGY STAR
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WHAT MAKES A HO ME
ENERGY STAR?
Homes that earn the ENERGY
STAR meet strict EPA guidelines
for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR
qualified homes are at least 15% more
energy efficient than homes built to the
2003 International Energy Conservation
Code(IECC).
To qualify homes as ENERGY
STAR, builders select from a
variety of energy-efficient
features, such as:
Effective Insulation
Properly installed insulation in
floors, walls, and attics ensures
even temperatures throughout, while
using less energy. Effective, climate-
appropriate insulation results in lower
utility costs and a quieter, more
comfortable home.
High Performance Windows
Energy-efficient windows employ
advanced technologies, such as
protective coatings and improved frame
assemblies, to help keep heat in during
the winter and out during the summer.
These windows also block damaging
ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor
carpets and furnishings.
Tight Construction and Ducts
Advanced techniques for sealing holes
and cracks in the home's "envelope"
and in duct systems help reduce drafts,
moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A
tightly sealed home improves comfort
and indoor air quality while reducing
utility bills.
Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
In addition to using less energy to
operate, energy-efficient heating and
cooling systems can be quieter, reduce
indoor humidity, and improve the overall
comfort of your home. Typically, energy-
efficient equipment is also more durable
and requires less maintenance. When
properly installed into a tightly sealed
home, this equipment won't have to
work so hard to heat and cool the home.
Third-Party Testing
With the help of an independent home
energy rater, ENERGY STAR builder
partners choose the most appropriate
energy-saving features for their homes.
Additonally, the rater conducts onsite
testing and inspections to verify the
energy efficiency measures that qualify
the home as ENERGY STAR.
WHILE OTHER BUILDERS CLAIM
THEIR HOMES ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT,
ENERGY STAR PARTNERS PROVE IT
"ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than
homes built to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)."
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WHY IS ENERGY STAR GOOD FOR
WHY DO BUILDERS PARTNER
YOUR CUSTOMERS?
WITH ENERGY STAR?
Lower Utility Costs
Compared to code-built homes, those
that earn the ENERGY STAR use
substantially less energy for heating,
cooling, and hot water heating.
Homeowners can save $200-$400
annually on their utility bills.
Quieter & More Comfortable
Homes
The energy-efficient features of
ENERGY STAR qualified homes keep out
excessive heat, cold, and noise and
help ensure consistent temperatures
between and across rooms—making
these homes more comfortable.
Better Indoor Air
Tightly constructed homes and
ductwork can more effectively block
dust, moisture, pollens, pests, and other
pollutants from entering homes and wall
assemblies, improving indoor air quality.
Advanced Technology
Consumers are increasingly attuned to
the benefits of new technology. With
the ENERGY STAR label, they can look
forward to the latest energy-efficient
technologies to improve performance
while lowering monthly costs.
Good Investments
The features and performance
advantages associated with a home
that has earned the ENERGY STAR
make it well positioned for higher
resale value.
Environmental Protection
Because ENERGY STAR qualified homes
use less energy, they help reduce
pollution—an added benefit for today's
environmentally conscious homebuyers.
Recognition
Partnering with ENERGY STAR
distinguishes builders as leaders
in efficient construction and
environmental stewardship,
providing valuable recognition and
market advantage. Consumers
increasingly recognize and choose
ENERGY STAR.
Enhanced Customer
Satisfaction
The energy-efficient features built
into ENERGY STAR qualified homes
translate into impressive value and
comfort for customers.
Increased Revenue
Built-in energy-saving features can
increase revenue on ENERGY STAR
qualified homes. In addition, the savings
on energy may allow buyers to afford
upgrades, further increasing your
Program Flexibility
Builders can choose among "tried and
true" energy efficiency features to meet
ENERGY STAR guidelines. Preferred
designs, layouts, or option packages do
not need to change.
Access to Support
ENERGY STAR partners have access to
technical and marketing tools at no
cost. These include:
•ENERGY STAR Labels and Logos
• Point of Sale Tools
• Consumer Brochures and
Fact Sheets
• Sample Advertisements
•Listing on the ENERGY STAR
Web Site
• Achievement Awards
To learn more, visit our Web site at
www.energystar.gov/homes.
"We experienced a 20-percent rise in October sales over the previous year."
ENERGY STAR Partner Cambridge Homes, Florida
"We've experienced a 72-percent drop in quality related callbacks.'
ENERGY STAR Partner Gunstra Homes, Indiana
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