Some builders have a 

much bigger picture of the 

neighborhood they’re creating 

JOIN THE 

ENERGY STAR® 

PARTNERSHIP 
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 governmentbacked 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 energyefficient 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. 

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. 

• Affix the ENERGY STAR label on each 

qualifying home. 

• Use ENERGY STAR promotional 

materials and techniques to gain 

market advantage for your energyefficient 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. 

"Our subcontractors send their best crews because they know their work 

will be inspected." 

ENERGY STAR Partner Astoria Homes, Nevada 

THOUSANDS OF BUILDERS HAVE 

CHOSEN TO QUALIFY THEIR 

HOMES AS ENERGY STAR 
WHAT MAKES A HOME 

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, climateappropriate 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, energyefficient 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. 

“ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than 

homes built to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).” 

WHILE OTHER BUILDERS CLAIM 

THEIR HOMES ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT, 

ENERGY STAR PARTNERS PROVE IT 
WHY IS ENERGY STAR GOOD FOR 

YOUR CUSTOMERS? 

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. 

"We experienced a 20-percent rise in October sales over the previous year." 

ENERGY STAR Partner Cambridge Homes, Florida 

WHY DO BUILDERS PARTNER 

WITH ENERGY STAR? 

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 

income. 

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’ve experienced a 72-percent drop in quality related callbacks.” 

ENERGY STAR Partner Gunstra Homes, Indiana 
United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Office of Air and Radiation (6202J) 

EPA 430-F-99-005