If you’re planning on building an ENERGY STAR home, the new Version 3 guidelines must be followed as of July 1st, 2012. Most importantly, if you’ve already been working on an Energy Star home that has not yet had its final inspection, you’ll have to comply with the new rules if that project was permitted after April 1, 2011.
Below is a look at the implementation schedule of the new ENERGY STAR Version 3 guidelines (click for an enlarged image):
The new changes are summarized as follows (courtesy of Green Building Advisor):
- Version 2 had a fixed HERS Index requirement of 85 (or 80 in the far North); Version 3 has a variable HERS Index target, which is usually in the low 70s.
- Version 2 had one checklist for the HERS rater: Version 3 has 4 checklists: 2 for the HERS rater, 1 for the HVAC contractor, and 1 for the home builder.
- Large houses have to get to a lower HERS Index because of the new Size Adjustment Factor.
- All parts of the building envelope must have Grade I insulation or continuous insulation.
- All Version 3 homes must have mechanical ventilation systems that meet the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2.
For more information, visit Green Building Advisor’s article about the new Version 3 guidelines or visit the Energy Star for New Homes website.
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