Project Description

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star New Homes Program promotes the construction of new homes that consume at least 30% less energy than the 1993 Model Energy Code specifications for heating, cooling, and water heating end-uses. The program operates by providing new-home builders a recognized logo to identify their energy-efficient homes, sales training to promote their more efficient homes, and technical assistance in designing and building energy-efficient homes. The LBNL End-Use Forecasting group is supporting EPA in this latter area ­ developing technical information to help builders more easily meet the guidelines of the Energy Star program. We have performed analyses on the following subjects:

• Developing packages of energy-efficiency measures to help production home builders meet the Energy Star guidelines in 14 U.S. metropolitan areas.
• Recommended mechanical ventilation strategies in four climates.
• Cost-effective regions for central air conditioner heat recovery units (desuperheaters).
• General information on energy-efficiency upgrades such as sealed ducts, solar-reflective roofs, and desuperheaters.
• Contract specifications for energy-efficient heating and cooling ducts.
• Evaluating the energy savings actually achieved by the Energy Star homes program.
• General information on specific energy-efficiency upgrades, for Energy Star homebuyers.
• Energy Star New Homes success stories.

Project Staff

Lead - Rich Brown

Celina Atkinson

Mithra Moezzi

Judy Roberson

Marla Sanchez

Sarah Bretz

Donald Mauritz

Key Data

Publications

Other Resources

Energy Star energy conservation energy savings energy efficiency environment climate change weatherization solar energy appliances energy audit energy tools efficient buildings energy education heating cooling heat pumps furnaces boilers air conditioners insulation ducts skylights windows thermostats fuel switching mechanical ventilation water heater water heating refrigerator freezer dishwasher clotheswasher clothes dryer miscellaneous energy home energy comfort remodeling residential energy.