SBRA Modular Program Guide

Transcription

1 SBRA Modular Program Guide Procedures for Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR Label ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5

2 Modular Program Guide Procedures for Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR Label ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5 Effective October 1, 2011 through June 30, 201 The protocols outlined in this guide were developed by the Systems Building Research Alliance in association with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Disclaimer The Systems Building Research Alliance, its members, consultants, contractors and representatives make no representations, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy or appropriateness of any materials or information in this manual for use in a specific home, nor assume any liability for the use of the information, methods, or materials contained herein, or for damages arising from any such use. Copyright January 2013 Systems Building Research Alliance. All rights reserved.

3 Contents Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version v Introduction... v Frequently Asked Questions... vi 1 Program at a Glance What is ENERGY STAR? What is an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home? Why Participate in ENERGY STAR? Key Features of SBRA s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under ENERGY STAR Version Participating in the Program Earning the ENERGY STAR Designation Access to Resources Certifying the Plant Getting Started: Certifying the Plant Maintaining the Plant s Certification Status Routine Production Routine Production of ENERGY STAR Modular Homes Design and Construction Requirements Select the Compliance Path and Core Energy Efficiency Measures Compare Home Size to Benchmark Home Complete Inspection Checklists Regional Specifications ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes National Program Requirements ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes National Program HERS Index Target Procedure IECC Insulation & Fenestration Requirements Inspection and Verification Documents Modular Home Completion Report Prescriptive Path Design Requirements Checklist Performance Path Design Requirements Checklist Thermal Enclosure System Checklist HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Water Management System Checklist Instructions for the Modular Builder Resources for Certifiers and Raters Plant Certifier Responsibilities, Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria Home Energy Rater Responsibilities, Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria Protocol for Addressing Non-Compliance at the Site Modular Plant Certifier Application Modular Plant Qualification Form Modular Field Rater Application iii

4 Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Introduction Over the past year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its energy efficiency requirements for qualifying new homes for the ENERGY STAR label. As national and regional code requirements become more rigorous and builder practices become more efficient, EPA periodically modifies the ENERGY STAR requirements so that qualified homes represent a meaningful improvement in energy efficiency over non-labeled homes. The new requirements referred to as Version 3 (v3) build on the integrity and brand value of the ENERGY STAR label by ensuring that ENERGY STAR continues to deliver high quality homes that are more efficient than standard new construction. To help the home building industry successfully transition to the new v3 requirements, EPA released transitional guidelines referred to as Version 2.5 (v2.5) that require homes to follow the v3 requirements, but that allow some exceptions and variances. This document has been revised to adapt the v2.5 requirements to the factory building and site installation process that characterizes modular home construction. Sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of these v2.5 guidelines retain the verification process that was used to qualify modular homes under v2 but contain changes to reflect the new technical requirements of v2.5 of the national program. Section 4: Design and Construction Requirements has been replaced in its entirety to remove the v2 technical requirements and incorporate the new v2.5 technical requirements. It is important to note that EPA and SBRA also are developing v3 guidelines for the modular housing industry. It is expected that the v3 technical requirements for modular housing will be identical to the national ENERGY STAR program requirements but that the plant certification and verification process for modular homes will be updated. In recognition of the fact that the v3 guidelines for modular homes have not yet been completed and that the verification process is likely to be modified, an extended implementation timeline is provided for the v2.5 guidelines, as illustrated in Table 1. Table 1 Implementation Schedule and Training Requirements for v2.5 and v3 of the ENERGY STAR New Homes Program for Modular Housing Version No. 1 Version 2 Date Home Ordered 2 Version Description Training Requirements Before 10/01/2011 Version /01/2011 to 06/30/2013 Version 3 4 After 07/01/2013 Builder Option Package (Prescriptive Path) or HERS 85 in CZs 1 through 5; HERS 80 in CZs 6 through 8 (Performance Path) Completion of Thermal Bypass Checklist Plant certification and verification procedures tailored to modular housing industry ENERGY STAR Reference Design and variable ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Design Requirements Checklist and Air Barriers and Air Sealing sections of Thermal Enclosure System Checklist enforced; all other inspection checklists of the National Program completed but not enforced Plant certification and verification procedures tailored to modular housing industry ENERGY STAR Reference Design and variable ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Design Requirements Checklist and all checklists from v3 of the National Program completed and enforced Potentially updated plant certification and verification procedures tailored to modular housing industry (TBD) N/A v2.5 orientation webinar for modular builders available in late October/early November 2011 (recommended) Modular v3 training will be available in early 2013 and must be completed before homes can be qualified under v3 In-plant inspection/plant re-certification must be completed by 06/30/2013 Systems Building Research Alliance v Rev. 01/13

5 Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Notes for Table 1 1. All low-income projects financed through low-income housing agencies may earn the ENERGY STAR under the current v2 modular housing guidelines until January 1, 2013 as long as the application for funding for those homes was received by the low-income housing agency before October 1, 2011 and the housing project includes at least one unit reserved for low-income tenants. If the application for funding is received between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012, then the homes must earn the ENERGY STAR under the v2.5 modular housing guidelines and under the v3 guidelines if application for funding is received after October 1, The order date is defined as the date the manufacturer begins construction of the home in the plant or the date the customer executes a purchase agreement with the builder or the date the builder places the order with the manufacturer, whichever is later and can be clearly documented. (Note that for modular homes the important date for determining which version of the guidelines to follow is the order date as defined above; there is no specified completion date as there is for site-built homes.) 3. Homes can be qualified under the v2.5 guidelines in advance of the dates above at the discretion of the plant and their Certifier. 4. Homes can be qualified under the v3 guidelines, upon their release, in advance of the dates above at the discretion of the plant and their Certifier. As an alternative to following the guidelines described in this document, a modular home may earn the ENERGY STAR label through a HERS rating process similar to the process used to qualify site-built homes. Modular homes earning the ENERGY STAR label via the HERS rating process must adhere to the v2.5 and v3 implementation schedule being applied to site-built homes rather than the schedule described in Table 1 above. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR website: Frequently Asked Questions 1. If a plant was certified under v2 of the guidelines, must the plant be re-certified for v2.5? No. However, the v2.5 guidelines (design and construction specifications and inspection checklist items) and the plant s procedures for complying with the new guidelines must be reviewed and approved by the Certifier. This review should occur during the plant s next scheduled semi-annual in-plant inspection (see Maintaining the Plant s Certification Status in Section 2: Certifying the Plant ); it is recommended that this review be conducted prior to the plant producing homes under v2.5 of the guidelines. 2. Who is responsible for educating the builder and their contractors about the v2.5 guidelines? The plant and Certifier shall together develop a process for educating the builder on the added responsibilities of the builder and HVAC contractor under v2.5 of the guidelines. The plant shall clearly communicate to the builder any new items or measures required under v2.5 that have been completed and inspected in the plant, and those items that the builder and HVAC contractor are responsible for completing on site. In addition, builders are encouraged to participate in an online ENERGY STAR v2.5 Orientation webinar that will be conducted in late October or early November If a builder has already met the first two homes tested requirement, what is the requirement for homes built under v2.5? A Rater must conduct the necessary inspections and performance testing on the first two homes a builder completes under v2.5 of the ENERGY STAR guidelines. However, these two homes count toward meeting the routine 1 in 7 homes field testing requirement. 4. I ve heard there are new checklists under v2.5 of the guidelines. What are they and how do I comply? Version 2.5 introduces five new Inspection Checklists that must be completed for certification. For each home qualified under v2.5, compliance with the Design Requirements Checklist and Sections 3 and 5 of the new Thermal Enclosure System Checklist is mandatory. Systems Building Research Alliance vi Rev. 01/13

6 Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Under v2.5, the following checklists must be completed but non-compliance with items will not prevent homes from earning the ENERGY STAR label: Thermal Enclosure System Checklist (all items with the exception of sections 3 and 5) HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Water Management System Verification Checklist For details see Complete Inspection Checklists in Section 4: Design and Construction Requirements and Section 5: Inspection and Verification Documents. Note that compliance with all checklists will be mandatory under Version Does the 1 in 7 homes per builder field testing protocol still apply? Yes. Under the v2.5 interim modular procedures, completion of the envelope air infiltration and duct leakage tests that are part of the Thermal Enclosure System and the HVAC System Quality Verification checklists is required for 1 in every 7 homes. Furthermore, as indicated above, the first two v2.5 homes tested for each builder count toward the 1 in 7 homes tested requirement. 6. I ve heard there are new training requirements for builders and Raters under v3 of the guidelines. What are the training requirements for the modular home program? To certify homes under Version 3 of the guidelines, plants, Certifiers, builders and Raters will be required to complete an ENERGY STAR v3 training geared toward modular homes, when that training is available. SBRA is currently working with EPA to develop training specific to the modular home building industry and anticipates making this training available in the second quarter of All builders must complete the training by June 30, To be eligible to install HVAC equipment in homes qualified under Version 3, HVAC contractors must complete ENERGY STAR Version 3 training and be credentialed through an EPArecognized industry organization. It is recommended, but not required, that HVAC contractors installing equipment in modular homes under these compliance protocols participate in this training prior to completing their inspection checklist under v2.5. To learn more, visit the ENERGY STAR website: Systems Building Research Alliance vii Rev. 01/13

7 1 Program at a Glance This guide is the Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) roadmap for designing, producing and installing energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified modular homes under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requirements. ENERGY STAR affords the modular housing industry a unique opportunity to extend the advantages of controlled-environment factory production to include exemplary energy performance. An ENERGY STAR qualified modular home is a home built in a factory in compliance with state and/or local codes and the ENERGY STAR guidelines, and that has successfully met all technical and quality control requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the modular program Quality Assurance Provider (QAP). 1 EPA designates third-party organizations to serve as Quality Assurance Providers for ENERGY STAR qualified homes produced and built under guidelines developed by the QAP and approved by EPA. QAPs develop and administer an EPA-approved process to qualify new homes as ENERGY STAR. As such, QAPs are authorized to provide ENERGY STAR labels to qualified homes and are responsible for the oversight and enforcement of all quality assurance requirements related to designing, producing and installing ENERGY STAR qualified homes. QAPs also are responsible for reporting to EPA all homes qualified for the ENERGY STAR label using the QAP s procedures as well as any issues of non-compliance. The Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) has been approved by EPA as a national Quality Assurance Provider (QAP) for ENERGY STAR qualified modular homes. This authorizes SBRA to provide ENERGY STAR labels to certified modular plants and participating builders and to oversee program quality assurance. SBRA developed and now administers an EPA-approved process for modular plants and builders to qualify new homes as ENERGY STAR. This document describes this process. SBRA is responsible for reporting to EPA all modular homes qualified for the ENERGY STAR label using the procedures contained in this guide. What is ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR Partners, committed to improving energy efficiency in homes, products and businesses. EPA is responsible for establishing energy efficiency guidelines for ENERGY STAR qualified homes. What is an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home? A home earning the ENERGY STAR label under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requirements is significantly more energy efficient than a comparable standard code home. This increased level of energy efficiency can be met using standard technologies and manufacturing practices. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are built with a comprehensive building science-based approach that features: A detailed package of home envelope air sealing, properly installed insulation and highperformance windows to deliver comfort, durability and lower utility bills. A high-efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation system designed and installed for optimal performance. A complete water and moisture management package to protect roofs, walls and foundations. ENERGY STAR certified lighting and appliances that help reduce monthly utility bills. Third-party, independent inspections and testing by a certified Home Energy Rater. 1 EPA has established specific qualifications and capabilities that organizations must demonstrate in order to be a designated Quality Assurance Provider (QAP). For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR website: Systems Building Research Alliance 1.1 Rev. 01/13

8 Program at a Glance Why Participate in ENERGY STAR? There are at least four good reasons why a plant or builder should consider making the commitment to build ENERGY STAR qualified homes. 1. Recognized brand. The ENERGY STAR label can be a powerful sales tool. ENERGY STAR is a nationally recognized brand, backed and promoted by two federal agencies. Affiliating with ENERGY STAR can differentiate a manufacturer or builder from its peers within the industry and from site-built homes in the same market. Only ENERGY STAR Partners have access to ENERGY STAR logos and labels for qualified homes. 2. Lower customer costs. ENERGY STAR qualified homes, because they are highly energy efficient, have lower operating costs, thereby reducing a homeowner s monthly out-of-pocket expenses and potentially increasing the resale value of the home. 3. Customer satisfaction. The efficiency measures built into an ENERGY STAR qualified home have associated benefits that increase customer satisfaction. These homes are typically more comfortable, durable, quiet and environmentally friendly than non-energy STAR qualified homes. 4. Show the benefits of modular construction. ENERGY STAR offers another opportunity for a modular home manufacturer or builder to demonstrate superior energy performance compared with non-energy STAR qualified site-built homes. Key Features of SBRA s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Modular builders have a distinct advantage in achieving ENERGY STAR levels of performance. The compliance protocols outlined in this document are designed by SBRA to take advantage of the resource efficiencies inherent in modular building and the quality control practices that already exist in the factory. Under the modular compliance process, the modular home manufacturing plant (the plant ) completes those portions of the ENERGY STAR requirements that can be accomplished in the factory. The plant then ships the home modules, along with information needed to complete the remaining ENERGY STAR features on site, to the builder/dealer (the builder ). The builder is responsible for installing the home and completing the remaining ENERGY STAR measures not furnished by the plant, and for obtaining third-party verification that the home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR label. The builder, in effect, purchases a partially completed home that the manufacturer represents as containing specified parts of the overall ENERGY STAR package. Similarly, quality control is separated into two distinct parts plant and site with procedures and protocols appropriate to each. The work of the plant is conducted under the auspices of a plant Certifier, a specialist in factory building with expertise in energy efficient construction, who qualifies the modular plant to build homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label. Verifying ENERGY STAR compliance of the completed home, and specifically the work of the builder, is the responsibility of a third-party Home Energy Rater (a HERS Rater, hereafter referred to as the Rater ). The Rater inspects and qualifies the home. Therefore, while the plant is certified to routinely construct homes ready to earn the ENERGY STAR label, there is no equivalent certification for the builder. Rather, homes are inspected in the field by the Rater for compliance with the ENERGY STAR provisions. Site testing follows a sampling protocol, reflecting the fact that the manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to consistently produce homes that comply with the ENERGY STAR requirements. Table 2 highlights some of the major provisions of the process. Systems Building Research Alliance 1.2 Rev. 01/13

9 Program at a Glance Table 2 Major Provisions of SBRA s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Provision PLANT COMPLETED Certification Inspection and testing Labeling Requirement Third-party plant Certifier completes plant certification Certifier conducts semi-annual inspections/tests to verify on-going compliance QC staff inspects and completes all plant-related checklist items for all homes QC staff applies Quality Assurance (QA) label in the plant FIELD COMPLETED Certification Rater conducts field inspection Inspection and testing Labeling Rater (with builder) completes Design Requirements Checklist for all homes Rater (with builder) completes visual inspections and diagnostic testing using Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist for a sample of homes (1 in 7 per builder) Builder completes the Water Management System Checklist for all homes HVAC contractor completes HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist for all homes ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label applied to home upon completion on site Participating in the Program The following is the sequence of events for qualifying modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label Certify the plant. To begin building ENERGY STAR modular homes, plants complete a onetime certification conducted by a third-party Certifier. The certification verifies that the plant is familiar with the program requirements. Once completed, the plant can begin producing homes that are ready to be completed on site as ENERGY STAR. 2. Routine plant production of homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR. Once certified, the plant produces modular homes per the ENERGY STAR technical requirements and quality assurance procedures approved by the Certifier during the plant certification process. Each home is accompanied by a set of Inspection Checklists, a traveler that identifies the items required to qualify the home under the program. The plant s quality control staff verifies completion of the items on the checklists required of the plant, signs the checklists and attaches the signed SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label to the home. 3. Install and inspect ENERGY STAR modular homes at the site. The builder is responsible for retaining a third-party Rater. The builder, Rater and the builder s HVAC contractor complete the items on the Inspection Checklists that were flagged for field verification. The checklists indicate which of these three parties is eligible to verify each item. 2 Some state and local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR homes may have additional construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the National Program Requirements in this guide. Systems Building Research Alliance 1.3 Rev. 01/13

10 Program at a Glance 4. Complete the ENERGY STAR process. When all provisions have been met, the Inspection Checklists and a Modular Home Completion Report are completed and signed by the Rater and sent to SBRA, the national Quality Assurance Provider for the ENERGY STAR modular home program. SBRA issues the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label to be applied to the home and provides a Homeowner Certificate. Earning the ENERGY STAR Designation Modular homes designed and produced in the plant to meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines are only ENERGY STAR qualified after they are inspected and verified on site and receive the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and certificate. Homes cannot be marketed or promoted as ENERGY STAR labeled, ENERGY STAR qualified, or in any way that implies a home has met ENERGY STAR requirements, until the site verification process has been successfully completed. 3 Use of the ENERGY STAR brand by a plant or builder to falsely market or promote a home as ENERGY STAR may result in suspension or expiration of the plant s and/or builder s Sample Homeowner Certificate participation in the ENERGY STAR program. Furthermore, it is the builder s responsibility to initiate this site verification process by retaining a certified Rater. The Rater will work with the builder to ensure that the home has been verified by the eligible verifier (the plant, builder, Rater or HVAC contractor, depending on the checklist item) to be in compliance with the mandatory inspection checklists. The Rater will then prepare and submit the documentation to SBRA, who will in turn review the documentation and issue the label and certificate. Please refer to the ENERGY STAR Brand Identity Guidelines ( and other guidance regarding use of the ENERGY STAR brand by modular plants and builders at: Access to Resources Additional information about ENERGY STAR New Homes including marketing materials, the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement, copies of forms, ENERGY STAR logos and promotional marks, and the ENERGY STAR label is available on the Web from the Systems Building Research Alliance ( and ENERGY STAR ( 3 Terms such as ENERGY STAR ready, ENERGY STAR qualified or ENERGY STAR compliant suggest that the home has already earned the ENERGY STAR label and cannot be used in association with homes that have not met all ENERGY STAR requirements. Systems Building Research Alliance 1.4 Rev. 01/13

11 2 Certifying the Plant Getting Started: Certifying the Plant Plants participating in the ENERGY STAR Qualified Modular Home Program are required to complete a one-time certification. 4 Once certified, plants can produce homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label, monitoring conformance to program guidelines using in-house quality control staff. The certification process assures that the plant has the knowledge, skills and procedures in place to routinely produce homes that comply with the program, and staff committed to maintaining program quality and compliance. This section provides directions to the Certifier in conducting the plant certification process and discusses the responsibilities of the plant, builder and SBRA. The certification process may be spread out over a number of weeks or months depending on the plant s scheduled production and the builders scheduled installation and completion of ENERGY STAR modular homes. As shown in Table 3, completion of the certification process involves both the Certifier and various plant staff. Table 3 Plant Certification Steps and Main Participants Plant Staff Step Certifier 5 Mgmt Prod/QC Eng 1. Retaining a Certifier 2. Reviewing the ENERGY STAR process 3. Developing Compliant Designs 4. Documenting the ENERGY STAR Requirements 5. Building and Inspecting Certification Homes in the Plant Builder HVAC 6. Educating the Builder 7. Installing Certification Homes 8. Verifying Certification Homes in the Field 9. Labeling Completed and Approved Homes 10. Issuing the Plant Qualification Form 11. Submitting an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement 4 Plants that are certified to produce ENERGY STAR manufactured homes must be separately certified to produce ENERGY STAR modular homes. Manufactured homes are defined as homes built in a factory meeting the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, commonly referred to as the HUD Code. 5 The Certifier may designate a local certified HERS Rater to act as their field representative for the purpose of verifying the three plant certification homes. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.1 Rev. 01/13

12 Certifying the Plant Step 1. Retaining a Certifier Plants must hire a Certifier, an independent third party who is responsible for reviewing the plant s building procedures and certifying the plant as capable of conforming to the program requirements. Certifiers must meet certain eligibility criteria and are approved and monitored by SBRA. Certifiers must submit a Modular Certifier Application (page 6.4) to SBRA. A list of approved modular plant Certifiers is provided on the SBRA website: Plants are required to have a Certifier of Record at all times. Step 2. Reviewing the ENERGY STAR process The Certifier reviews and verifies that plant staff are familiar with the following four aspects of building ENERGY STAR modular homes. 1. Overall process and requirements Role of the Certifier and SBRA in providing program oversight and maintaining quality. Responsibilities of the plant, the builder/dealer and the HVAC contractor. Completing the five Inspection Checklists, hereafter referred to as the checklists (see Step 4). Field testing requirements and role of the field Rater. Labeling process: SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label applied in the plant and ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label applied in the field. Future changes (e.g., new home designs) that would require review by the Certifier. Semi-annual in-plant inspections to maintain certification status. Resources available on the SBRA website ( Registering with EPA by completing an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement ( 2. Product design and specifications ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (for both the Prescriptive and the Performance Paths) and any applicable regional program specifications (see Step 3). Measures for complying with the selected path(s). For the performance path, this will require computer analysis approved by the Certifier. Quality control, inspection and verification procedures associated with each compliance path so that the plant has the flexibility of using either or both options. 3. Production procedure Proper techniques for ENERGY STAR construction, covering all items on the v2.5 Inspection Checklists (refer to the Thermal Enclosure System Guidebook, the HVAC System Quality Installation Guidebook and the Water Management System Guidebook on the SBRA website: 4. Quality control (QC) process and documentation Changes in the plant s current QC process and third-party inspection procedures. Integrating the ENERGY STAR requirements into the plant s QC process, including: Incorporating the ENERGY STAR requirements with the traveler accompanying each module. Procedures for completing the Inspection Checklists, such as by verifying and signing off on the requirements at each station by the department supervisor, QC manager or other appropriate staff as per the plant s third-party approved QC practices. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.2 Rev. 01/13

13 Certifying the Plant Step 3. Developing Compliant Designs With guidance from the Certifier, the plant develops ENERGY STAR compliant designs and specifications based on the National Program Requirements established by EPA (see pages 4.3 to 4.8). Plants can construct homes under the Prescriptive Path per the specifications listed in the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, or work with the Certifier to develop custom packages under the Performance Path using the HERS Index Target Procedure and Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (see pages 4.9 to 4.12). Once certified, plants may construct homes using either the Prescriptive or Performance Path specifications. The Prescriptive Path offers a limited range of construction features for meeting the ENERGY STAR requirements. A plant may prefer a different combination of features or use energy saving features not included in the ENERGY STAR Reference Design. The Performance Path provides this option. Developing a Performance Path design requires using one of the third-party approved software programs listed on the SBRA website: Either the plant or the Certifier can develop performance-based designs, but these designs and the supporting software analysis must be approved by the plant s Certifier (see page 6.1). The Performance Path analysis must be conducted for each set of unique home parameters (i.e., home design, location, equipment, etc.). The Certifier should submit a copy of the software building input/design analysis file to SBRA. Step 4. Documenting the ENERGY STAR Requirements The ENERGY STAR requirements are documented in two ways. First, the plant incorporates the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements specifications into the plant s design package and production documents. Second, a new document is created, the Inspection Checklists, listing all required ENERGY STAR measures and verification items (pages 5.5 to 5.24 contain templates for creating the checklists). The checklists are the basic document for dividing the ENERGY STAR responsibilities between the plant, the HVAC contractor and the builder. The Certifier works with the plant to develop the plant s customized checklists. The plant may elect to re-order the checklist items (e.g., organize them by workstation or divide them by plant and builder responsibilities) to facilitate the inspection process, and/or incorporate the checklists into the existing plant traveler. All measures prescribed by the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (pages 4.3 to 4.8) and the v2.5 Inspection Checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24) that must be verified must be included on the checklists and assigned to either the plant QC staff for items completed in the plant or the builder, Rater or HVAC contractor for items completed in the field. The Certifier reviews and approves the plant s checklists, verifying that all ENERGY STAR measures will be completed at the appropriate stage of construction and have been assigned to the applicable party. The checklists must travel with the home to the field to be completed by the builder, the HVAC contractor and the Rater. Step 5. Building and Inspecting Certification Homes in the Plant The plant builds three (3) ENERGY STAR homes using the checklists as a guide and signs off on completed checklist items in the column designated for the plant QC staff. The Certifier visually inspects and verifies all plant-installed items on the checklists. The Certifier should pay close attention to those elements that will not be visible in the completed home and any items identified as potential problem areas during the earlier review of the plant s production practices. Line inspections may occur over multiple days depending on the plant production rate and schedule. All required items must be inspected at least once and representative modules from all homes must be inspected at least once. However, all items need not be inspected on all modules/homes. In addition to checking construction compliance, Certifiers must observe the implementation of the ENERGY STAR-related QC items and confirm that it is operating in accordance with the approved plan. If inspections reveal non-compliance with ENERGY STAR requirements, the plant has the option of either correcting the problem or selecting a new home for inspection (in the latter case, the non- Systems Building Research Alliance 2.3 Rev. 01/13

14 Certifying the Plant compliant home would not qualify as ENERGY STAR or count toward the three initial homes). Any discrepancies must be corrected and discussed with the plant quality control staff. If, in the Certifier s judgment, the plant is not currently able to produce homes that are ENERGY STAR compliant or to properly implement the QC system, then re-training may be required. The Certifier completes the appropriate sections of each home s checklists using the column designated for the Certifier/Rater. When a measure is verified, the Certifier checks the corresponding box. Field-installed measures will be verified later. When completing the checklists, indicate N/A for items that do not apply to the home. The checklists are shipped with the homes to the site for testing and final inspection. Step 6. Educating the Builder The plant staff and Certifier together agree on a process for educating builders on their responsibilities under the program. The following four items should be included in discussions with participating builders. 1. Participant roles. Discuss the roles of the plant, Certifier, builder and the builder s third-party Rater and HVAC contractor in the ENERGY STAR modular home program. Provide a copy of this guide as background. 2. Division of plant s and builder s responsibilities. Review the measures that were installed in the plant and those that need to be completed in the field by the builder. Introduce the checklists and the builder s responsibility for completing selected items on the checklists. 3. Rater s responsibilities. Review the responsibilities of the Rater. Recommend that the builder identify a Rater prior to receiving the modules for installation and review with the Rater the field verification and testing protocol. The Rater must sign up with SBRA before qualifying homes under the modular compliance procedures outlined in this guide (see page 3.1 Step 2). 4. HVAC contractor s responsibilities. Review the responsibilities of the HVAC contractor. Recommend that the builder select an HVAC contractor early in the process so that plant design/engineering staff can coordinate with the builder and/or the builder s HVAC contractor regarding the items on the HVAC System Quality Installation Inspection Checklist. Step 7. Installing Certification Homes The plant can work with one or more builders in completing the three (3) required certification homes. For evaluation purposes, the homes can be either permanently sited or temporarily installed (i.e., set up outside the factory, at a home show or model center rather than at their final site). For temporarily installed homes, the plant or its agent is acting as the builder of record. Using a temporarily installed home(s) for certification purposes is subject to the following conditions: The Certifier must notify SBRA in advance if planning to inspect and test a temporarily installed home for plant certification purposes. All ENERGY STAR requirements are completed on the home(s) including all items on the checklists and all Prescriptive or Performance Path construction requirements, with the exception that cooling equipment does not need to be installed. 6 The Certifier agrees that the home as set is an accurate representation of the ENERGY STAR features as they would be if installed on the final site. Step 8. Verifying Certification Homes in the Field The Certifier verifies compliance in the field of a minimum of three (3) assembled and completed ENERGY STAR modular homes. These do not have to be the same three homes that were inspected in the plant. Verification can be accomplished through one or more site visits by the Certifier, through 6 If cooling equipment is installed it must comply with the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.4 Rev. 01/13

15 Certifying the Plant delegation to a HERS Rater 7, or a combination of the two. In addition, the HVAC contractor also inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist. The Certifier or Rater inspects each home and completes the items flagged for field verification on the applicable Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive or Performance Path), the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist. At the discretion of the Certifier, the builder may verify up to six items specified in the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist. The builder completes the checklist items flagged for field verification in the Water Management System Checklist. The Certifier or Rater also collects the completed inspection checklist from the HVAC contractor and reviews it for completion. Once the checklists have been completed, the Certifier fills in a Modular Home Completion Report (hereafter referred to as the Completion Report ) for each home. If any of the inspection results do not meet the program requirements, the Certifier instructs the builder or the plant (as applicable) as to the required corrective measures and re-inspects the home after corrections are made. If the deficiencies are related to plant-constructed items, the Certifier decides on the appropriate course of action and re-inspects the plant process. Completing the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist will require the Certifier or Rater to conduct the following pressurization tests on the three homes to verify that the homes meet or exceed the required performance levels. An envelope air infiltration test; and, For homes with duct systems, a test to determine duct air leakage to the outdoors. This test is not required if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the conditioned space and envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built. If any of the test results do not meet requirements noted on the checklists, the Certifier instructs the builder or the plant (as applicable) as to the required corrective measures. The home is re-tested after repairs have been made. If the deficiencies are related to plant-constructed items, the Certifier determines the appropriate course of action and re-inspects the plant process. To provide feedback to plant management regarding the results of the field inspections and tests, the Certifier provides a brief written report(s) containing the results of field tests and a description of any ENERGY STAR-related installation or construction deficiencies (observed during inspections) and an explanation of remedial actions taken. Step 9. Labeling Completed and Approved Homes Upon completion of the field verification process for a plant certification home, the Certifier submits the completed and signed checklists together with a Completion Report and the application fees to SBRA, the national Quality Assurance Provider for the ENERGY STAR modular home program. SBRA reviews the documentation submitted by the Certifier and issues the maroon SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label, the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and the Homeowner Certificate to the Certifier. NOTE: Once certified, the plant obtains the QA labels from SBRA and applies labels to a module in the plant. The Certifier or Rater obtains the blue ENERGY STAR label and home certificate from SBRA upon completion of the field verification process. 7 The Certifier may designate a local certified HERS Rater to act as their field representative for the purpose of conducting on-site inspections and tests on the three plant certification homes. However, all documentation must be reviewed, approved and submitted to SBRA by the Certifier. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.5 Rev. 01/13

16 Certifying the Plant The Certifier signs the QA label and provides both labels to the builder to apply to the home, completing the verification process. The labels should be placed on or near the electrical panel box or other readily visible location. The certificate is provided to the homeowner(s). This may be done for each home as completed and need not wait until all three certification homes are complete. If a temporarily installed home passes all inspections and tests, SBRA will provide the QA label only for attachment to the home. When the home is installed on its final site, the builder s Rater must file an additional Completion Report noting that it was a re-installed home and remit the field report processing and home certificate fee. SBRA will provide the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and certificate only when the home has been installed on its final site and re-inspected (and tested if required) by the builder s Rater. Step 10. Issuing the Plant Qualification Form SBRA QA Label Upon successful completion of the inspections and tests of at least three (3) homes, the Certifier qualifies the plant for routine production of ENERGY STAR homes and submits a Modular Plant Qualification form to SBRA (see page 6.5) and provides a copy to the plant. Step 11. Submitting an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement After certification, the plant registers with the U.S. EPA by completing an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement online at: 8 Maintaining the Plant s Certification Status Within six months of completion of the plant s certification, and every six months thereafter, the Certifier must inspect the plant and, at the Certifier s discretion, tests homes to ensure continuing compliance with ENERGY STAR specifications and quality control methods. 9 This semi-annual checkup provides plants and Certifiers the opportunity to review any changes in the national or regional program requirements and the plant s construction practices, quality assurance or inspection procedures, as well as address any systemic issues related to the plant s responsibilities that have been encountered by Raters in the field. Any changes proposed by the plant that materially affect the ENERGY STAR construction, inspection or verification process must be reviewed and approved by the Certifier in order for the plant to maintain its certification status. This includes substantive changes to ENERGY STAR designs (Prescriptive or Performance Path), the plant s quality assurance and inspection procedures, or the plant s checklists. Step 1. Review Documentation and Proposed Changes Prior to visiting the plant, the Certifier coordinates with the plant and SBRA and reviews the following: Completed checklists and Completion Reports to identify any systemic compliance discrepancies that may require changes to be implemented in the plant s production or quality control procedures. Certifiers may request copies of documentation for completed and qualified homes from SBRA. 8 Partners must complete at least one ENERGY STAR qualified home every 12 months to maintain their active ENERGY STAR Partner status. Only active Partners are listed on the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator on the Web and can use the ENERGY STAR logo to promote ENERGY STAR qualified homes. 9 SBRA may require additional plant inspections by the Certifier based on compliance issues encountered by the Rater or homeowners in the field. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.6 Rev. 01/13

17 Certifying the Plant Any proposed changes to the plant s product designs and specifications, checklists, or production and quality control procedures. The plant s process for educating builders on their responsibilities under the program. Step 2. Conduct In-Plant Inspection The Certifier observes the plant s production practices and quality control procedures at various stages of the home production process, including completion of the checklists by plant staff. For a minimum of one (1) ENERGY STAR home on the production line, the Certifier visually inspects and verifies all plant-installed items on the checklists, paying particular attention to any items identified as problem areas during the documentation review for completed homes. Inspections must take place in the plant and should cover all requirements prescribed by the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (pages 4.3 to 4.8) and the v2.5 inspection checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24). If areas of non-compliance are discovered during the in-plant inspection, the Certifier will recommend corrective actions to the plant and inspect an additional ENERGY STAR home on the production line, ensuring compliance with all ENERGY STAR requirements. If non-compliance is found in the second home, the plant must cease all production of homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label and the Certifier must notify SBRA. SBRA will provide recommended corrective actions, which may include requiring re-certification of the plant, and notify EPA. Step 3. Report Findings to SBRA Following the inspection, the Certifier provides a brief report to the plant and to SBRA summarizing the inspection results. At a minimum, the following items must be included in the report: Certifier company and inspector name Plant company name, city and state Summary of inspection process and results, including a brief description of any required modifications to the plant s current practices Date of in-plant inspection and signature of Certifier The Certifier signs and dates the completed checklists for the home observed on the production line and submits copies to SBRA along with the semi-annual inspection report. Systems Building Research Alliance 2.7 Rev. 01/13

18 3 Routine Production Routine Production of ENERGY STAR Modular Homes Routine compliance is a continuation of the process started with plant certification, with one important change: compliance in the field is checked by a Rater hired by the builder. The steps for routinely building ENERGY STAR homes, including the responsibilities of the plant, builder, HVAC contractor, Rater and SBRA, are described below. Step 1. Obtaining QA Labels Once certified, the plant orders Quality Assurance (QA) labels from SBRA. SBRA will confirm that the plant is certified and process the label order. The label order form is available on the SBRA website: NOTE: The QA label verifies that the home was constructed in a certified modular home plant in accordance with ENERGY STAR program and SBRA oversight requirements. The label indicates that the plant s part of the ENERGY STAR home qualification process is complete. The home only becomes ENERGY STAR qualified when the blue EPA ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label, obtained by the Rater upon home completion, is applied to the home in the field. Step 2. Retaining a Rater Builders must hire a Rater, an independent third party who is responsible for checking that the home conforms to the program requirements. A national list of certified Raters can be found on the Web at: Raters are eligible to qualify ENERGY STAR modular homes once they review the requirements and procedures in this guide and complete a Modular Rater Application (see page 6.6). A list of Raters qualified to inspect and test modular homes is provided on the SBRA website: Step 3. Ordering Homes that can Earn the ENERGY STAR Label The builder initiates the process of constructing an ENERGY STAR modular home by ordering a modular home from a certified plant. The home must have a QA label to earn the ENERGY STAR label. A list of plants that have been certified to produce ENERGY STAR modular homes is provided on the SBRA website: Step 4. Producing and Labeling Homes in the Plant The plant builds homes per the ENERGY STAR requirements and procedures and applies the QA label inside the home, typically on or near the electrical panel or other readily visible location. The plant representative verifies that the applicable portions of the checklists are completed and signs the checklists and the QA label. When completing the checklists, indicate N/A for items that do not apply to the home or that conflict with local requirements. Step 5. Delivering Homes with Checklists The plant ships the home to the builder and provides the builder with a copy of the partially completed checklists. The checklists should be signed by the plant and ready to be completed by the builder, the HVAC contractor and the Rater. The plant should retain a copy of the checklists. 10 Step 6. Completing Homes and Notifying the Rater Prior to delivery of the home to the site, the builder informs the Rater of the pending project, providing the home address, construction documents, the checklists and expected delivery date and construction schedule. The builder and Rater establish a schedule for visiting the site to inspect and verify all 10 For a home that is to be a display model or stock unit, the builder should file the partially completed checklists until such time as the home has been sold and delivered to the final home site. Display models/stock units that were partially completed in the plant to meet the ENERGY STAR requirements cannot be qualified for ENERGY STAR and receive the blue field label until the home is installed on the final site and the necessary inspections/tests have been conducted by the Rater and documentation has been submitted to SBRA. Systems Building Research Alliance 3.1 Rev. 01/13

19 Routine Production applicable checklist items. The Rater is required to visually inspect every home at least once during construction. Step 7. Verifying Homes The Rater 11 inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive or Performance Path). For the first two (2) homes built by the builder, and for a representative sample of one (1) in every seven (7) homes thereafter, the Rater also completes the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist. 12 For homes with duct systems, completing the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist will require conducting testing to determine duct air leakage to the outdoors. This test is not required if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the conditioned space and envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built. At the discretion of the Rater, the builder may verify up to six items on the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist. In addition, the builder inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the Design Requirements Checklist and the Water Management System Checklist. The HVAC contractor inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist. The Rater, builder and HVAC contractor all sign the applicable completed checklists. Step 8. Reporting Homes to SBRA The Rater finalizes and signs the Modular Home Completion Report. If the home complies with the program requirements, the Rater submits the checklists and Completion Report along with the builder s report processing fee to SBRA. The Rater also provides a copy of the completed checklists and Completion Report to the builder. Processing fees are provided on the SBRA website: NOTE: Some state or local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR construction may have additional construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the national program requirements outlined in this guide. If required for an incentive, Raters inspecting modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label under a state-sponsored program should report homes to their rating Provider as usual. All other modular homes produced and verified via the protocols outlined in this guide should be reported to SBRA only and not to the rating Provider. Step 9. Applying Labels to Homes and Providing Certificate to Homeowners SBRA reviews and approves the Completion Report and issues an ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and Homeowner Certificate to the builder or the Rater. The Rater provides the label and certificate to the builder. The builder applies the label to the home adjacent to the SBRA QA label and provides the certificate to the homeowner(s). This completes the home verification process. Partners must complete at least one ENERGY STAR qualified home every 12 months to maintain their active ENERGY STAR Partner status. Only active Partners are listed on the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator on the Web and can use the ENERGY STAR logo to promote ENERGY STAR qualified homes and their ENERGY STAR partnership. 11 The term Rater refers to the person completing the third-party on-site inspections required for qualification. This party may be a certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector or BOP Inspector. 12 For builders that have met the first two homes tested requirement under the previous version (v2) of the guidelines, the Rater or Certifier must complete the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist, including conducting envelope air infiltration and duct leakage tests, on the first two homes that builder completes under v2.5 of the guidelines. However, in this instance, the two tested homes shall count toward the 1 in 7 homes testing requirement. Systems Building Research Alliance 3.2 Rev. 01/13

20 4 Design and Construction Requirements The key features of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes National Program Guidelines v2.5 are more rigorous core energy efficiency measures, a variable HERS index threshold, Benchmark Home Size and new enhanced inspection checklists. ENERGY STAR periodically makes clarifications and revisions to its requirements based on partner feedback and posts these to the ENERGY STAR website at For the most current requirements, please check the website. Select the Compliance Path and Core Energy Efficiency Measures There are two paths to qualify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR. Under the Prescriptive Path, a home is designed and built to a pre-defined set of specifications, called the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the climate where the home will be built. No trade-offs are allowed. The ENERGY STAR Reference Design provides efficiency requirements for the building envelope, HVAC and water heating equipment, lighting and appliances. Only homes the same size as or smaller than their corresponding Benchmark Home (see Table 4 below) may be qualified under the Prescriptive Path. Under the Performance Path, the plant and builder have the flexibility to select a customized set of energy efficiency specifications that achieve a defined performance target. The Certifier or Rater models the home to establish an ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, and qualifies the home if the resulting HERS Index of the home meets or exceeds the threshold ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. The ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target is based on the ENERGY STAR Reference Design used in the Prescriptive Path and, for homes larger than their Benchmark Home Size, includes a Size Adjustment Factor. For the Prescriptive Path, the ENERGY STAR Reference Design has replaced the Builder Option Package (BOP). For the Performance Path, there is now a variable HERS Index Target as opposed to a fixed HERS Index. This section contains the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements 13 (pages 4.3 to 4.8) for both the Prescriptive Path and the Performance Path, as well as the HERS Index Target Procedure and Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (pages 4.9 to 4.12). The 2009 IECC insulation and fenestration requirements are provided on page Compare Home Size to Benchmark Home The Benchmark Home Size (Table 4) is based on the number of bedrooms in the home to be built. Homes of all sizes can be qualified for ENERGY STAR. However, homes that are larger than their Benchmark Home Size cannot be qualified using the Prescriptive Path; they must use the Performance Path so that a Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) can be applied. To determine if a home must use the Performance Path because of its size, compare the conditioned floor area (CFA) of the home to be built to the CFA of the Benchmark Home as specified in Table 4. For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the comparison area of the home to be built is larger than the Benchmark Home Size, the home must follow the Performance Path. 13 The ENERGY STAR v2.5 requirements are established by EPA and included in this document for reference purposes. Compliance with the ENERGY STAR requirements is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements that may be applicable to the home to be built. See footnote 5 of the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements for further guidance from EPA. Systems Building Research Alliance 4.1 Rev. 01/13

21 Design and Construction Requirements Table 4 Benchmark Home No. of Bedrooms in Home to be Built Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200 Homes larger than the average size for a specified number of bedrooms, called the Benchmark Home Size, must apply a Size Adjustment Factor that will reduce the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. More information about the Benchmark Home Size and Size Adjustment Factor are provided in the following pages. Complete Inspection Checklists Both the Prescriptive and Performance Paths require completion of new enhanced inspection checklists. To successfully implement the checklists, increased planning and coordination between plants, builders, contractors and third-party inspectors will be required. For this reason, the inspection checklists must be completed under v2.5, but an allowance is provided for deficiencies during this transitional period. For each home qualified under v2.5, all checklists shall be completed, but only the Design Requirements Checklist and Sections 3 and 5 of the new Thermal Enclosure System Checklist shall be enforced. Requirements for each checklist are discussed below: Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) This checklist itemizes the design specifications and construction requirements of the selected compliance path. Homes shall pass all applicable requirements on this checklist. Thermal Enclosure System Checklist All items on this inspection checklist shall be completed (i.e., the applicable verifier must indicate whether each item must be corrected, whether the item has been verified, or whether the item is not applicable to the home). Homes shall pass all requirements of Section 3: Fully- Aligned Air Barriers and Section 5: Air Sealing to qualify (these sections are similar to the requirements in the v2 Thermal Bypass Checklist). Non-compliance with items in other sections of this checklist shall not prevent homes from earning the label. All items on the following three new inspection checklists shall be completed. However, noncompliance with items will not prevent homes from earning the label. HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist, hereafter called the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist, hereafter called the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Water Management System Builder Checklist, hereafter called the Water Management System Checklist (or Indoor airplus Verification Checklist) 14 Regional Specifications ENERGY STAR specifications that differ from or exceed the National Program Requirements are required in some regions, including Florida, California Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana). For more information on regional guidelines, visit the ENERGY STAR website: Additionally, some state and local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR homes may have construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the national program guidelines. 14 A completed and signed Indoor airplus Verification Checklist may be submitted in lieu of the Water Management System Checklist. Indoor airplus is a complimentary EPA label recognizing new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of indoor air quality (IAQ) features. Indoor airplus verification can be completed during the ENERGY STAR verification process, but must be conducted by a Rater. For more information, see the EPA website: Systems Building Research Alliance 4.2 Rev. 01/13

22 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements Qualifying Homes The following homes are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR: Single-family homes; OR Units in any multifamily building with 4 units or fewer; OR Units in multifamily buildings with 3 stories or fewer above-grade 1,2 ; OR Units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade 1,2 that have their own heating, cooling, and hot water systems 3, separate from other units, and where dwelling units occupy 80% or more of the occupiable 2 square footage of the building. 4 When evaluating mixed-use buildings for eligibility, exclude commercial/retail space when assessing whether the 80% threshold has been met. Units in multifamily buildings that are not eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the New Homes Program may be eligible through the Multifamily High Rise Program. Homes may earn the ENERGY STAR using the following ENERGY STAR Prescriptive Path or Performance Path in all states except those with an energy code exceeding the 2009 IECC and for which EPA regional program requirements have been developed. See EPA s Web site for the latest list. Note that compliance with these guidelines is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements that may be applicable to the home to be built. 5 ENERGY STAR Prescriptive Path The Prescriptive Path provides a single set of measures that can be used to construct an ENERGY STAR qualified home. Modeling is not required; however, no tradeoffs are allowed. Follow these steps to use the Prescriptive Path: 1. First, assess the eligibility to follow the Prescriptive Path by comparing the conditioned floor area (CFA) of the home to be built to the CFA of the Benchmark Home as specified in Exhibit 3. 6 For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. 7 If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the CFA of the home to be built exceeds the CFA of the Benchmark Home, then the Performance Path shall be used. 2. If the home to be built is eligible to follow the Prescriptive Path, build the home using all requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, Exhibit 1, and the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes, Exhibit Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes and with RESNET s On-Site Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features. 8 ENERGY STAR Performance Path The Performance Path provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home, Exhibit 1. 9 Equivalent performance is assessed through energy modeling. Follow the steps below to use the Performance Path: 1. Determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, which is the highest numerical HERS index value that each rated home may achieve to earn the ENERGY STAR. This target shall be specifically determined for each home by following the steps outlined in the document titled, ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04), available on EPA s Web site. This procedure defines how to configure the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home and calculate its associated HERS index value and then how to apply the appropriate Size Adjustment Factor to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Note that this process shall be completed manually by a Rater until a version of the RESNET-accredited software program used by the Rater becomes available that automatically configures the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, calculates its associated HERS Index value, and then applies the appropriate Size Adjustment Factor to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Upon release of such a version, Raters using that software program shall have 60 days to begin all new ratings with this updated version. 2. Using the same RESNET-accredited Home Energy Rating software program, configure the preferred set of energy measures for the rated home and verify that the resulting HERS Index meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, as determined in Step 1. Note that, regardless of the measures selected, Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes in Exhibit 2 are also required. Also note that items 1.2 and 2.1 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist require that all insulation, windows, doors, and skylights meet or exceed 2009 IECC requirements. 10,11,12,13 Furthermore, on-site power generation may only be used to meet the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target for homes that are larger than the Benchmark Home and only for the incremental change in ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target caused by the Size Adjustment Factor, as outlined in the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04). 3. Construct the home using measures selected in Step 2 and the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes, Exhibit Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes and with RESNET s On-Site Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features Rev. 01/13

23 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Hot Climates (2009 IECC Climate Zones 1, 2, 3) 14 Mixed & Cold Climates (2009 IECC Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 14 Cooling Equipment (Where Provided) 15 Cooling equipment shall meet the following applicable efficiency levels: 14.5 SEER / 12 EER ENERGY STAR qualified AC, OR; Heat pump (see Heating Equipment) Heating Equipment 17 Heating equipment shall meet the following applicable efficiency levels: 80 AFUE gas furnace, OR; 80 AFUE oil furnace, OR; 80 AFUE boiler, OR; 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER air-source heat pump, ENERGY STAR qualified with electric backup, OR; 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER air-source heat pump, ENERGY STAR qualified with ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR; Ground-source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified 17 Envelope, Windows & Doors 13 SEER AC, OR; Heat pump (see Heating Equipment) 90 AFUE gas furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; 85 AFUE oil furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; 85 AFUE boiler, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; Air-source heat pump 16, ENERGY STAR qualified with efficiency as follows: CZ 4: 8.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; CZ 5: 9.25 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; CZ 6: 9.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; Air-source heat pump, ENERGY STAR qualified 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR; Ground-source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified 17 If more than 10 linear feet of ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic, a radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product shall be installed. 18 No radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product required. Insulation levels shall meet or exceed the 2009 IECC levels and achieve Grade I installation per RESENT standards 11,12,13 Infiltration rates shall be less than or equal to the following values: 19 6 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 5 ACH50 in CZs 3,4 4 ACH50 in CZs 5,6,7 3 ACH50 in CZ 8 Windows, doors and skylights shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, as illustrated below: 20 Window U-value: 0.60 in CZs 1, in CZ in CZ in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Window SHGC: 0.27 in CZs 1, in CZ in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Skylight U-value: 0.70 in CZs 1, in CZ in CZ in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Skylight SHGC: 0.30 in CZs 1, in CZ in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Doors: Opaque: 0.21 U-value, No SHGC Rating ½ lite: 0.27 U-value, 0.30 SHGC >½ lite: 0.32 U-value, 0.30 SHGC Homes with total window-to-floor area greater than 15% shall have adjusted U-values or SHGCs as outlined in Footnote 20. Water Heater DHW equipment shall meet the following efficiency requirements: 21 Gas: 30 Gal 0.63 EF 40 Gal 0.61 EF 50 Gal 0.59 EF 60 Gal 0.57 EF 70 Gal 0.55 EF 80 Gal 0.53 EF Electric: 30 Gal 0.94 EF 40 Gal 0.93 EF 50 Gal 0.92 EF 60 Gal 0.91 EF 70 Gal 0.90 EF 80 Gal 0.89 EF Oil: 30 Gal 0.55 EF 40 Gal 0.53 EF 50 Gal 0.51 EF 60 Gal 0.49 EF 70 Gal 0.47 EF 80 Gal 0.45 EF Thermostat & Ductwork Programmable thermostat shall be installed unless thermostat controls a zone with electric radiant heat, for which a manual thermostat is allowed. 22 Supply ducts in unconditioned attics shall have insulation R-8; all other ducts in unconditioned space shall have insulation R-6. Prescriptive Path: Duct leakage to outdoors shall be 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area. 23,24,25 Performance Path: Duct leakage to outdoors shall be 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area. 23,24,25 Lighting & Appliances Where refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans or exhaust fans 26 are installed, products shall be ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, LEDs or pin-based lighting in 80% of fixtures in RESNET-defined Qualifying Light Fixture Locations, shall be installed Rev. 01/13

24 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements Mandatory Requirements for All ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes As noted in the Prescriptive Path and the Performance Path, all ENERGY STAR Qualified Modular Homes must meet the requirements of the checklists in Exhibit 2. Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes Area of Improvement 1. Design and Construction Specifications Mandatory Requirements Completed Design Requirements Checklist (either Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) 2. Thermal Enclosure System Completed Thermal Enclosure System Checklist 3. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) System 4. Water Management System Completed HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist Completed HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Completed Water Management System Checklist (or Indoor airplus Verification Checklist) 28 Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size 6 No. of Bedrooms in Home to be Built Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200 Exhibit 4: 2009 IECC Figure Climate Zones (CZs) Zone 1 includes: Hawaii, Guam Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. All of Alaska in Zone 7 except for the following Boroughs in Zone 8: Bethel, Dellingham, Fairbanks, N. Star, Nome North Slope, Northwest Artic, Southeast Fairbanks, Wade Hampton, and Yukon-Koyukuk 4.5 Rev. 01/13

25 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements Notes (Unless specified otherwise, notes shall apply to both Prescriptive and Performance Paths): 1. Any above-grade story with 20% or more occupiable space, including commercial space, shall be counted towards the total number of stories for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the program. The definition of an above-grade story is one for which more than half of the gross surface area of the exterior walls is above-grade. All below-grade stories, regardless of type, shall not be included when evaluating eligibility. 2. Per ASHRAE , occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities or continual human occupancy, including, but not limited to, areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas. 3. Central systems for domestic hot water are allowed if solar energy provides at least 50% of the domestic hot water needs for the residential units. 4. Units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade, including mixed-use buildings, that have their own heating, cooling, and hot water systems, separate from other units, but where dwelling units occupy less than 80% of the residential (i.e., excluding commercial / retail space for mixed-use buildings) occupiable square footage of the building may qualify for the ENERGY STAR through either the New Homes Program or the Multifamily High Rise Program if permitted prior to July 1, Units in buildings of this type that are permitted after this date shall only be eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the Multifamily High Rise (MFHR) Program. 5. Where requirements of the local codes, manufacturers installation instructions, engineering documents, or regional ENERGY STAR programs overlap with the requirements of these guidelines, EPA offers the following guidance: a. In cases where the overlapping requirements exceed the ENERGY STAR guidelines, these overlapping requirements shall be met; b. In cases where overlapping requirements conflict with a requirement of these ENERGY STAR guidelines (e.g., slab insulation is prohibited to allow visual access for termite inspections), then the conflicting requirement within these guidelines shall not be met. Qualification shall only be allowed if the Rater has determined that no equivalent option is available that could meet the intent of the conflicting requirement of these ENERGY STAR guidelines (e.g., switching from exterior to interior slab edge insulation). 6. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed the Benchmark Home. The conditioned floor area of a Benchmark Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8 bedrooms, the CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq. ft. times the total number of bedrooms and adding 400 sq. ft. Example: CFA Benchmark Home for a 10 bedroom home = (600 sq. ft. x 10) sq. ft. = 6,400 sq. ft. A bedroom is defined by RESNET as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping. A "den", "library", or "home office" with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or greater size or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not. An egress window, as defined in 2009 IRC section R310, shall refer to any operable window that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. The egress window definition has been summarized for convenience. The egress window shall: have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor; AND have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft.; AND have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 in.; AND have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 in.; AND be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge 7. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements). 8. The term "Rater" refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for qualification. This party may be a certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector, BOP Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a Verification Oversight Organization such as RESNET. 9. For Performance Path: For a complete definition of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design to be used when determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, see the document titled ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04). 10. Insulation levels in a home shall meet or exceed the component insulation requirements in the 2009 IECC Table The following exceptions apply: 4.6 Rev. 01/13

26 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC Table In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24 on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used; b. For ceilings with attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for R-38 and R-38 shall satisfy the requirement for R-49 wherever the full height of uncompressed insulation at the lower R-value extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used; c. For ceilings without attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for any required value above R-30 if the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not provide sufficient space for the required insulation value. This exemption shall be limited to 500 square ft. or 20% of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used; d. An alternative equivalent U-factor or total UA calculation may also be used to demonstrate compliance, as follows: An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC Table complies. A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table also complies. The insulation levels of all non-fenestration components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, and slabs) can be traded off using the UA approach under both the Prescriptive and the Performance Path. Note that fenestration products (i.e., windows, skylights, doors) shall not be included in this calculation. Also, note that while ceiling and slab insulation can be included in trade-off calculations, the R-value must meet or exceed the minimum values listed in items 4.1 through 4.3 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist to provide an effective thermal break, regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method. 11. Consistent with the 2009 IECC, slab edge insulation is only required for slab-on-grade floors with a floor surface less than 12 inches below grade. Slab insulation shall extend to the top of the slab to provide a complete thermal break. If the top edge of the insulation is installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab, it shall be permitted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall. 12. Insulation shall be verified by a Rater to achieve Grade I installation as defined in the RESNET Standards, except for ceiling, wall, floor, and floor assemblies with rigid insulation sheathing. For such homes, Grade II installation is acceptable for the cavity insulation only if the rigid insulation sheathing meets or exceeds the following levels: R-3 in CZs 1 to 4; R-5 in CZs 5 to For Prescriptive Path: All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights Version 5.0 as outlined at For Performance Path: All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed the component U-factor and SHGC requirements specified in the 2009 IECC Table If no NFRC rating is noted on the window or in product literature (e.g., for site-built fenestration), select the U-factor and SHGC value from tables 4 and 14, respectively, in 2005 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 31. Select the highest U-factor and SHGC value among the values listed for the known window characteristics (e.g., frame type, number of panes, glass color, and presence of low-e coating) Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion. The following exceptions apply: a. An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements; b. An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements; c. 15 square feet of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above; d. One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to 24 square feet in area shall be exempt from the U-factor requirements and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above; e. Fenestration utilized as part of a passive solar design shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above. Exempt windows shall be facing within 45 degrees of true south and directly coupled to thermal storage mass that has a heat capacity > 20 btu/ft 3 x F and provided in a ratio of at least 3 sq. ft per sq. ft. of south facing fenestration. Generally, thermal mass materials will be at least 2 thick. 14. The map in Exhibit 4 (see page 4.5) is shown to depict Climate Zone boundaries. It is for illustrative purposes only and is based on 2009 IECC Figure For Prescriptive Path: Where ENERGY STAR qualified heating or cooling systems are required, all installed equipment of that system type must be ENERGY STAR qualified. 16. For Prescriptive Path: The required efficiency for air source heat pumps in CZs 4, 5 and 6 exceed the ENERGY STAR minimum of 8.2 HSPF. Air source heat pumps with electric resistance backup heating cannot be used in homes qualified in CZs 7 and 8 using the Prescriptive Path. 4.7 Rev. 01/13

27 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements 17. For Prescriptive Path: The following efficiency levels shall be used based on ground-source heat pump product type: Closed Loop Water-to-Air: 3.5 COP / 16.1 EER Open Loop Water-to-Air: 3.8 COP / 18.2 EER Direct Geo-Exchange (DGX): 3.6 COP / 16 EER Closed Loop Water-to-Water: 3.0 COP / 15.1 EER Open Loop Water-to-Water: 3.4 COP / 19.1 EER 18. Any radiant barrier with a minimum initial reflectance of 0.90 and a maximum initial remittance of 0.10 meet the requirement for a radiant barrier. 19. Envelope leakage shall be determined by a Rater using RESNET-approve testing protocol. 20. For Prescriptive Path: All decorative glass and skylight window areas count toward the total window area to above-grade conditioned floor area (WFA) ratio. For homes using the Prescriptive Path that have a WFA ratio >15%, the following additional requirements apply: a. In CZs 1, 2 and 3, an improved window SHGC is required and is determined by: Improved SHGC = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR SHGC] Where the ENERGY STAR SHGC is the minimum required SHGC in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built. b. In CZs 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, an improved window U-Value is required and is determined by: Improved U-Value = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR U-Value] Where the ENERGY STAR U-Value is the maximum allowable U-Value in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built. 21. For Prescriptive Path: To determine domestic hot water (DHW) EF requirements for additional tank sizes, use the following equations: Gas DHW EF (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Electric DHW EF (0.001 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Oil DHW EF (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) The minimum efficiency for instantaneous water heaters shall be determined using the above equations and assuming a 1 gallon capacity. Water heater systems that are integrated with a space-heating boiler may be used in place of a stand-alone system. However, an integrated indirect storage system shall be used rather than an integrated tankless coil system. 22. For homes with heat pumps, the thermostat shall have Adaptive Recovery technology to prevent the excessive use of electric backup heating. 23. Duct leakage shall be determined and documented by a Rater using a RESNET-approved testing protocol only after all components of the system have been installed (e.g., air handler and register grilles). Leakage limits shall be assessed on a persystem, rather than per-home, basis. Testing of duct leakage to the outside can be waived if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the home s air and thermal barriers AND envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built. 24. For all homes that have less than 1,200 sq ft of conditioned floor area (CFA), measured duct leakage to outdoors shall be 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA. 25. If total duct leakage is 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, or 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area for homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, then leakage to outdoors need not be tested. 26. For Prescriptive Path: All exhaust fans shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, except in half bathrooms. A half bathroom is any bathroom that does not contain a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture. 27. For Prescriptive Path: The ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP), which requires a minimum of 60% ENERGY STAR qualified hard-wired fixtures and 100% ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans, where installed, may also be used to comply with the lighting requirements. 28. A completed and signed Indoor airplus Verification Checklist may be submitted in lieu of the Water Management System Checklist. Indoor airplus is a complimentary EPA label recognizing new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) features. Indoor airplus verification can be completed by a Rater during the ENERGY STAR verification process. For more information, see Rev. 01/13

28 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 04) National Program HERS Index Target Procedure This document provides detailed instructions for determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, the highest HERS Index value that a home can achieve and qualify under the Performance Path. The Performance Path provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures through energy modeling that achieves the required ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Note, however, that regardless of the measures selected, the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes in Exhibit 2 of the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements shall be met. Follow these steps using any RESNET-accredited software program to calculate the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target: 1. Determine the HERS Index of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home. To accomplish this, use Exhibit 5 below, Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition, to model the Reference Design Home and determine its associated HERS Index value. For Raters configuring the ENERGY STAR Reference Design manually, EPA provides the following guidance: a. The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is virtually identical to the home that would have been built using the minimum requirements of the Prescriptive Path. Therefore, EPA suggests that Raters complete a plan take-off of the home to be built, configure it with the minimum requirements of the Prescriptive Path, and then review Exhibit 5 for any remaining items that need to be changed. b. Any item in Exhibit 5 that states Same as Rated Home means that the parameter should be identical to the rated home. Therefore, if the Rater follows the guidance in item a), these parameters don t need to be further adjusted when calculating the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. c. RESNET requires that all accredited software automatically configure certain parameters when calculating a HERS index value (e.g., internal gains, thermostat set points, water heater temp.). Any item in Exhibit 5 that begins with a plus (+) and is shaded gray will be automatically configured by the software, indicating that the Rater need not do anything to comply with these items when calculating the HERS Index Target. d. In Exhibit 5, slab insulation R-values represent nominal insulation levels; U-factors and SHGC coefficients for windows and doors apply to the entire assembly; and assembly U-factors for foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings represent the overall U-value of the assembly, inclusive of exterior sheathing materials, cavity insulation and installation quality, framing, and interior finishes. To create an assembly that meets the required U-factor, Raters may wish to start with the nominal insulation R-values indicated in the county-level Reference Design applicable to the Rated Home, and then modify the assembly details until the U-factor aligns. Note that EPA will provide modified Mandatory Requirements and ENERGY STAR Reference Design specifications for states with energy codes significantly more rigorous than the 2009 IECC. Once published, these modified specifications shall be used after a specified transition period, typically 60 days, to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target in these states. 2. For all single-family detached homes, townhomes, row homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes calculate the Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) using the following equation: SAF = [CFA Benchmark Home / CFA Home to Be Built ] 0.25, not to exceed 1.0 Where: CFA Benchmark Home = Conditioned Floor Area of the Benchmark Home, using Exhibit 3 below CFA Home to be Built = Conditioned Floor Area of the Home to be Built For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the CFA of the home to be built exceeds the CFA of the Benchmark Home, then the Performance Path shall be used. Because the SAF cannot exceed 1.0, it only modifies the HERS Index Target for homes with conditioned floor area greater than the Benchmark Home. For condos and apartments in multi-family buildings the SAF shall always equal Calculate the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, rounded to the nearest whole number: ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target = HERS Index of ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home x SAF 4. Next, proceed with Step 2 of the Performance Path as outlined in the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04). Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size 2,3 No. of Bedrooms in Home to be Built Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5, Rev. 01/13

29 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 04) National Program HERS Index Target Procedure Exhibit 5: Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition 4.10 Rev. 01/13

30 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 04) National Program HERS Index Target Procedure Exhibit 5: Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (Continued) 4.11 Rev. 01/13

31 Notes ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 04) National Program HERS Index Target Procedure 1. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements). 2. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed Benchmark Home. A bedroom is defined by RESNET as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping. A "den", "library", or "home office" with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or greater size or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not. An egress window, as defined in 2009 IRC section R310, shall refer to any operable window that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. The egress window definition has been summarized for convenience. The egress window shall: have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor; AND have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft.; AND have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 in.; AND have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 in.; AND be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge 3. The conditioned floor area of a Benchmark Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8 bedrooms, the CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq. ft. times the total number of bedrooms and adding 400 sq. ft. Example: CFA Benchmark Home for a 10 bedroom home = (600 sq. ft. x 10) sq. ft. = 6,400 sq. ft. 4. Any parameter not specified in this exhibit shall be set to Same as Rated Home. 5. The map in Exhibit 4 (see page 4.5) is shown to depict Climate Zone boundaries. It is for illustrative purposes only and is based on 2009 IECC Figure For informative purposes, assembly U-factors are meant to correlate to typical assemblies containing the nominal R-values as listed in 2009 IECC Table All Reference Design window and door U-value and SHGC requirements are based on the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights Version 5.0 as outlined at except that SHGC values have been assumed for CZ 4C and CZs 5 to 8. Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion. 8. When determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target for homes with conditioned basements and for attached homes under the Performance Path, the following formula shall be used to determine total window area of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design: AF = 0.15 x AFL x FA x F Where: AF = Total fenestration area AFL = Total floor area of directly conditioned space FA = (Above-grade thermal boundary gross wall area) / (Above-grade boundary wall area x Below-grade boundary wall area) F = x (Common wall area) / (Above-grade thermal boundary wall area + Common wall area) And where: Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates directly or indirectly conditioned space from unconditioned space or ambient conditions; Above-grade thermal boundary wall is any portion of a thermal boundary wall not in contact with soil; Below-grade boundary wall is any portion of a thermal boundary wall in soil contact; and Common wall is the total wall area of walls adjacent to another conditioned living unit, not including foundation walls. 9. RESNET s 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standard. 10. In the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, fuel type(s) shall be same as Rated Home, including any dual-fuel equipment where applicable. For a Rated Home with multiple heating, cooling, or water heating systems using different fuel types, the applicable system capacities and fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with the loads distribution (as calculated by accepted engineering practice for that equipment and fuel type) of the multiple systems. 11. To determine domestic hot water (DHW) EF requirements for additional tank sizes, use the following equations: Gas DHW EF (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Electric DHW EF (0.001 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Oil DHW EF (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) 4.12 Rev. 01/13

32 Climate Zone ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) 2009 IECC Insulation & Fenestration Requirements Fenestration U-Factor b 2009 IECC Table Insulation and Fenestration Requirements by Component a Skylight b U-Factor Glazed Fenestration SHGC b,e Ceiling R-Value Wood Frame Wall R-Value Mass Wall R-Value i Floor R-Value Basement c Wall R-Value Slab d R-Value& Depth / j / Crawl Space c Wall R-Value j /8 19 5/13 f 0 5/13 4 except Marine 5 and Marine NR / /13 10, 2 ft. 10/ NR NR or 13+5 h 13/17 30 g 10/13 10, 2 ft. 10/13 20 or 13+5 h 15/19 30 g 15/19 10, 4 ft. 10/13 7 and NR /21 30 g 15/19 10, 4 ft. 10/13 For SI: 1 foot = mm a. R-values are minimums, U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal 2x6 framing cavity such that the R-value is reduced by R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in addition to the full thickness R-value. b. The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration. c. 15/19 means R-15 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home or R-19 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall. 15/19 shall be permitted to be met with R-13 cavity insulation on the interior of the basement wall plus R-5 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home. 10/13 means R-10 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall. d. R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs. Insulation depth shall be the depth of the footing or 2 feet, whichever is less in Zones 1 through 3 for heated slabs. e. There are no SHGC requirements in the Marine Zone. f. Basement wall insulation is not required in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure and Table g. Or insulation sufficient to fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum. h means R-13 cavity insulation plus R-5 insulated sheathing. If structural sheathing covers 25 percent or less of the exterior, insulating sheathing is not required where structural sheathing is used. If structural sheathing covers more than 25 percent of exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with insulated sheathing of at least R-2. i. The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall. j. For impact rated fenestration complying with Section R of the International Residential Code or Section of the International Building Code, maximum U-factor shall be 0.75 in Zone 2 and 0.65 in Zone IECC Table Equivalent U-Factors a Crawl Space Climate Fenestration Skylight Ceiling Frame Wall Mass Wall Floor Basement Wall Zone U-Factor U-Factor U-Factor U-Factor U-Factor b U-Factor U-Factor d Wall U-Factor c except Marine and Marine and a. Non-fenestration U-factors shall be obtained from measurement, calculation or an approved source. b. When more than half the insulation is on the interior, the mass wall U-factor shall be a maximum of 0.17 in Zone 1, 0.14 in Zone 2, 0.12 in Zone 3, 0.10 in Zone 4 except Marine, and the same as the frame wall U-factor in Marine Zone 4 and in Zones 5 through 8. c. Basement wall U-factor of in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure and Table d. Foundation U-factor requirements shown in Table include wall construction and interior air films but exclude soil conductivity and exterior air films. U-factors for determining code compliance in accordance with Section (total UA alternative) of Section 405 (Simulated Performance Alternative) shall be modified to include soil conductivity and exterior air films Rev. 01/13

33 5 Inspection and Verification Documents Meeting the provisions of ENERGY STAR for modular homes is the joint responsibility of the plant and the builder. While many of the required features or components can be completed in the plant, several features of every home will be completed in the field by the builder and verified by a HERS Rater. Therefore, the plant and builder work together in demonstrating that the home complies with all the requirements to earn the ENERGY STAR label. The plant should take the lead in developing the documents that will be used for demonstrating compliance and then assist the builder in understanding the steps to complete the home. This section contains the primary documents used for inspection and verification of ENERGY STAR modular homes under v2.5 of the guidelines. The Modular Home Completion Report (pages 5.2 to 5.4) is the field verification form completed by the Rater (or the Certifier for plant certification homes) and submitted to SBRA to report qualified homes and to request the ENERGY STAR label and home certificate. The Inspection Checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24) are the primary documents for dividing ENERGY STAR responsibilities between the plant, the builder and the HVAC contractor. The plant is responsible for verifying all items completed in the plant on the following checklists: Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) Thermal Enclosure System Checklist HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Water Management System Checklist The Inspection Checklists serve several functions, including the following: Provide an itemization of the features required by the selected compliance path; Provide a place for the plant s quality control staff to document compliance with the design and construction specifications and the Thermal Enclosure System, HVAC System Quality Installation, HVAC System Quality Verification (if applicable) and Water Management System inspection items; and, Provide the builder and the Rater with a record of the items inspected in the plant and a list of the items that are to be completed and verified in the field to meet the ENERGY STAR requirements and qualify the home for the ENERGY STAR label. During the certification process, the Certifier and plant together develop the plant s checklists based on the templates provided in this section. The plant may elect to re-order the checklist items (e.g., organize them by workstation or divide them by plant and builder responsibilities) to facilitate the inspection process, and/or incorporate the checklists into the existing plant traveler. All items required by the compliance path and all items from the mandatory Inspection Checklists must be included on the plant s checklists. For each home qualified under v2.5, all inspection checklists shall be completed, but only the Design Requirements Checklist and Section 3: Fully-Aligned Air Barriers and Section 5: Air Sealing of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist shall be enforced. Non-compliance with items in other sections of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist, or any items on the HVAC System Quality and Water Management System checklists, shall not prevent homes from earning the label. Plants should provide the Instructions for the Modular Builder (page 5.25) coversheet with the inspection checklists. Systems Building Research Alliance 5.1 Rev. 01/13

34 EPA Form OMB Control No ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Home Completion Report Instructions To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a home must meet the National Program Requirements and the measures listed in these checklists: Design Requirements Checklist (either Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) Thermal Enclosure System Checklist HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist Water Management System Checklist (or Indoor airplus Verification Checklist) 1 Checklist items flagged for field verification are verified by a Rater. 2 Raters are expected to use their experience and discretion to verify that the overall intent of each inspection checklist item has been met (i.e., identifying major defects that undermine the intent of the checklist item versus identifying minor defects that the Rater may deem acceptable). The column titled N/A, which denotes items that are not applicable, should be used when the checklist item is not present in the home or conflicts with local requirements. In the event that a Rater finds an item that is inconsistent with the intent of the inspection checklists, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR until the item is corrected. If correction of the item is not possible, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. The Rater is required to keep electronic or hard copies of the completed and signed checklists. The signature of the HVAC technician is required if any of the HVAC equipment specified on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist is installed in the home. To receive the home label(s) and certificate, the Rater must send this Modular Home Completion Report, a copy of all completed and signed Inspection Checklists and a check for $50 per home* (builder s report processing fee for home certificate and site label) to: Systems Building Research Alliance 1776 Broadway, Suite New York, NY Please allow 5 to 7 days for FedEx Ground delivery. For 2-Day delivery, enclose an additional $20 S&H fee. * If this is a plant certification home, the following processing fees apply (select one): $150 plant certification home ($100 for plant QA label + $50 builder s fee) - OR - $100 temporarily installed plant certification home 3 (for plant QA label only) Send labels to (check one): Certifier / Rater Primary Contact Field Inspector / Tester Modular Plant Modular Builder Contact: Company: Address: City: Homeowner State: Zip: Other (specify in space at right) Phone or A completed and signed Indoor airplus Verification Checklist may be completed by the Rater and submitted in lieu of the Water Management System checklist. For more information, see the EPA website: The term Rater refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for qualification. This party may be a certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector or BOP Inspector. Temporarily installed homes must be re-inspected by a Rater when installed on the final home site and a new Completion Report must be submitted along with the $50 report processing fee for the home certificate and site label Rev. 01/13

35 EPA Form OMB Control No ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Home Completion Report Home Address: HOME ID: City: State: Zip: Homeowner Name: Phone: 1. CONTACT INFORMATION Certifier / Rater Primary Contact Field Inspector / Tester (if different from Primary Contact) Company Contact Name Company Contact Name Address Address City State Zip City State Zip Phone Fax Phone Fax Plant and QC Staff Builder Corporate Parent (if applicable) Company Contact Name Plant Name QC Contact Name Address Plant City State Zip City State Zip Phone Fax Phone Fax HVAC Contractor / Technician HVAC System Designer (if different from Cont. / Tech.) Company Contact Name Company Contact Name Address Address City State Zip City State Zip Phone Fax Phone Fax 2. WAS THIS HOME TESTED? Yes No If No, skip to question HOUSE TIGHTNESS a) Infiltration rate ( 6.0 in CZs 1, in CZs 3, in CZs 5, 6, in CZ 8). Measured: ACH DUCT TIGHTNESS (fill in and check ONE) a) Duct leakage to outdoors ( 6 CFM25 Performance Path; 4 CFM25 Prescriptive Path). Measured: CFM25 / 100 sq ft... *Homes with < 1,200 sq ft CFA: 5 CFM25 / 100 sq ft - OR - b) All ducts and air handling equipment are located within the home s air and thermal barriers and envelope leakage has been tested to be 3.0 ACH50 in CZs 1, ACH50 in CZs 3, ACH50 in CZs 5, 6, ACH50 in CZ QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) LABEL (must check ONE to pass) a) An SBRA quality assurance (QA) modular home label is affixed to home interior and signed and dated by a factory representative... - OR - b) This is one of the factory s initial three certification homes. The plant QA label will be signed and affixed with the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home site label (see instructions) CERTIFIER / RATER EVALUATION (check ONE) a) PASSES: No discrepancies were identified... b) PASSES: Minor discrepancies were identified and repaired, and the home was re-inspected... c) FAILS: Discrepancies are described below... Signature of Certifier / Rater: Date: Rev. 01/13