1.2a Energy Star

Date Created	In 1992 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced Energy Star as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. The Energy Star-qualified homes program was launched in 1995. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes.
What Features Are Involved?	There are six areas of concern: 1. Effective Insulation: Properly installed, climate-appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy consumption, and increased comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation  (149KB). 2. High-Performance Windows: Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Learn more about Qualified Windows  (212KB)  3. Tight Construction and Ducts: Sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems  (163KB). 4. 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 the home. Typically, energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models. Learn more about:                         Qualified Heating Equipment  (142KB)                         Qualified Cooling Equipment  (178KB)                         Mechanical Ventilation  (140KB) 5. Lighting and Appliances: ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers, and washing machines. These ENERGY STAR qualified products provide additional energy savings to the owner. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products:                         Qualified Appliances  (153KB)                         Qualified Lighting  (170KB)                         Advanced Lighting Package  (91KB)                         High Efficiency Water Heaters  (177KB) 6. Third-Party Verification: With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify that the homes qualify as ENERGY STAR. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing  (182KB).
How Many Homes Involved?	As of the beginning of 2007, there were about 750,000 Energy Star homes in the U.S. (Source: Energy Star)
Professionals	Locate Energy Star partners here, including architects, builders, energy raters, etc.
Education	Energy Star web-based seminars
Website	http://www.energystar.gov/
Energy Star Qualified Home Label
Energy Star Homes Labeled in 2008	Name Location Partner Since Homes Labeled 2008 Total Homes Labeled Pulte Homes & the Communities of Del Webb Scotsdale, AZ 1997 2923 16143 Lennar Family of Builders - Houston Houston, TX 2001 1930 20268 Perry Homes, LLC Houston, TX 2001 1833 15350 Actus Lend Lease, LLC Nashville, TN 2007 1295 2291 David Weekley Homes - Houston Houston, TX 1996 1279 9618 KB Home Houston Division Houston, TX 2003 1112 8746 Pulte Homes / Del Webb Nevada Operations Las Vegas, NV 1996 1109 16569 KB Home - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 2001 1105 14279 Meritage Homes Corporation Houston, TX 2002 920 7103 Ivory Homes Salt Lake City, UT 2006 913 1780 K. Hovnanian Homes Hamilton, NJ 1996 847 6941 MHI/McGuyer Homebuilders Inc. - Houston Houston, TX 2001 844 11825 Centex Homes - Arizona Division Scottsdale,  AZ 1999 823 3197 M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC. Columbus,  OH 2000 796 13665 Ashton Woods Homes Roswell, GA 2002 750 7330 KB Home Lone Star, Inc. San Antonio, TX 2005 746 4660 K. Hovnanian Homes Plano, TX 2003 727 6713 Clark Realty Capital, LLC Midland, GA 2006 718 744 Lennar/NuHome/Village Builders Austin, TX 2003 706 4341 Ryland Homes - Houston Houston, TX 2004 683 2595 KB Home Austin Texas Austin, TX 2005 673 3212 Meritage Homes Corp. Irving, TX 2001 663 6251 Pulte Homes - Northern California Division Pleasanton,  CA 2001 636 8228 Highland Homes - Dallas/Fort Worth Plano, TX 2001 631 1046 Beazer Homes Texas, L.P. Houston, TX 2002 615 4844 Choice Homes - Dallas/Fort Worth Irving, TX 2002 615 3555 Lennar Las Vegas, NV 2002 607 5783 D.R. Horton, Inc. - Sacramento Division  IAP Gold River, CA 2003 604 6619 Trendmaker Homes Houston, TX 2002 599 4382 Ideal Homes Norman, OK 1997 579 3110 HearthStone Homes, Inc. Omaha, NE 2008 546 546 Centex Homes - Houston Houston, TX 1995 520 2219 Trilogy by Shea Homes Scottsdale,  AZ 2001 487 7634 Taylor Morrison Houston, TX 2007 487 2005 BallHomes, LLC Lexington, KY 2007 487 487 Ryland Homes - Dallas Plano, TX 2002 486 6682 Home Creations Moore, OK 2005 478 1022 Pulte Homes of Indiana Carmel, IN 2000 469 3986 Hunt Building Company, Ltd. El Paso, TX 1997 454 1648 Pulte Homes - Dallas/Ft. Worth Coppell, TX 2001 450 3718 D.R. Horton - Central Texas Temple, TX 2008 445 955 Wall Homes Arlington, TX 2006 429 777 MHI/Pioneer Homes, Plantation Homes, Coventry Homes, Carmel Builders Dallas, TX 2003 420 4075 Pulte Homes of Texas - San Antonio, LP San Antonio, TX 2005 412 2494 Tilson Home Corporation Houston, TX 2005 407 1205 Ryland Homes - San Antonio Division San Antonio, TX 2001 395 8007 Pulte Homes SW FL Division Estero, FL 2008 389 1186 Hunter Homes Huntsville, AL 2005 375 977 Ryland Homes Austin, TX 2007 361 361 Kimball Hill Houston, TX 2003 339 4443