ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 Specifications:
ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 Specifications:
Leveling the Thermal Envelope Playing Field
Sam Rashkin, R.A.
National Director, ENERGY STAR for Homes
Up to now, it has not been a fair fight for advanced wall systems such as structural insulated panels (SIPs); you all know this. Whether it is computer energy simulations, first-cost calculations, or code requirements, high-performance thermal envelopes don’t receive full credit for all the benefits they provide, such as greater empirical-based energy savings, superior comfort based on better control of interior surface temperatures, total system cost savings (e.g., reduced construction time, onsite construction tool requirements, waste, and call-back repairs), and advanced moisture protection. In other words, the housing market serves as another example where better technology doesn’t always prevail.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now proposing third-generation guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes that would hold all builders accountable for delivering a complete thermal envelope system. So what is a complete insulated thermal envelope system? EPA has identified the following components:
- Air tight assemblies
- Effective insulation R-value
- Compete air barriers forming six-sided insulated assemblies
- Properly installed insulation with minimal gaps, voids, or compression and complete alignment with all air barriers
- Minimal thermal bridging through structural members
Why should the SIP industry care? Because ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes will effectively level the playing field so advanced wall systems can compete more effectively with traditional construction practices. In other words, no matter what thermal envelope system is chosen by a builder, it is required to match or approximate the inherent advantages of an advanced wall system such as SIPs. As a result, the SIP industry will be able to offer all ENERGY STAR builder partners a turn-key solution for meeting the new ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 requirements. And even where SIPs are not used, new ENERGY STAR specifications will establish a consumer preference and expectation for homes to include the impressive benefits of high-performance thermal envelopes. This can only help accelerate the market penetration for advanced wall systems.
SIP industry stakeholders should also note that there are other significant changes proposed in the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 specifications, including moving from a fixed to variable HERS Index score threshold, additional mandatory requirements for HVAC system installation, mechanical ventilation, energy-efficient components, water managed construction, and consideration of house size. Visit the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes website (www.energystar.gov/homes) to review all specification details, background information, and cost and savings analyses. However, the biggest message is that the SIP industry should work with all builders constructing with SIPs to get every home labeled ENERGY STAR. More than ever, it is in your industry’s best interests to get new homebuyers to insist on ENERGY STAR.
Proposed Schedule for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 Guidelines:
May 1 – July 10, 2009: Stakeholder comment period
September – October, 2009: Second comment period if required
November 2009: Release final ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 Guidelines
January 1, 2011: ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes 2011 Guidelines effective nationwide
