What is an energy code? Energy codes are part of the building code that regulates how heat and energy are used in a building. By now, most builders understand there are minimum insulation levels, in walls, floors and ceilings. There are also requirements in how windows and doors perform. Air tightness testing and mechanical system performance (both in space heating and water heating) are also part of the energy codes. Local jurisdictions adopt (sometimes modify) and enforce these codes. Updated energy codes are released every three years. The 2024 IECC has been released, but most jurisdictions are looking to adopt the 2021 version, which you can read here: 2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC) | ICC DIGITAL CODES (iccsafe.org)
What if a client, or the builder themselves wants to move above the minimums of the energy code? Chances are they will be following one of the certifications that are designed to higher energy performance. Programs such as Passive House, Energy Star or Zero Energy Ready programs offer certifications (and usually some sort of tax incentive). What are these programs, how can a project qualify, and how can they benefit builders and homeowners? More on that in a bit.
What if a homeowner or builder simply wants a more efficient, more durable, more healthy home without the requirements and added costs of certification? There’s a grass roots movement (and a book) on just how that can be done. We’ll get to that at the end.
Energy Star Program
Energy Star was established back in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
as a way to promote energy efficiency, starting with appliances. In 1995, the program expanded into the construction industry with Energy Star for Homes. In 1996, the EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) joined forces in promoting the Energy Star program. Today, more than 2.5 million homes have been Energy Star certified.
Having a home Energy Star certified works for both new and existing structures. The process involves having an Energy Star Certified Builder (a certification that is very easy to obtain) and a third-party verifier certify the home. A certified Energy Star home will perform 10% to 20% more efficiently than a code-built home.
Energy Star has different programs, programs for single family, multi-family and manufactured homes. Most third-party certifications will be conducted by a home certification organization (HCO). There are two nationally recognized HCO’s, Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and Building Science Institute (BSI). The builder will work with an HCO, which begins in the planning stage, to achieve certification.
If you’re a builder, what do you get out of having a home Energy Star Certified? You should qualify for the 45L Tax Credit, § 45L Tax Credits for Home Builders | ENERGY STAR , a tax credit of up to $2,500. There’s a lot more information on the Energy Star Website, Single-Family Program Requirements | ENERGY STAR
Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program
ZERH takes the Energy Star Program to the next level, getting a home ready to create as much energy as it uses. The program started in 2013, led by the Department of Energy, and has grown to include both multi-family and manufactured homes. Much like the Energy Star Program, ZERH requires a third-party certification, for single family homes, the certifications are performed by RESNET and BSI (multi-family and certifications in California have different HCO’s).
ZERH’s will perform 40% to 50% more efficiently than a code-built home. Currently, this improvement in efficiency results in a $5,000 tax incentive (compared to $2,500 for Energy Star).
The difference between a ZERH and one that actually produces about the same amount of energy as it uses is the addition of a renewable energy source, such as wind or solar. More information about ZERH can be found on the DOE website: Zero Energy Ready Home Program | Department of Energy
Passive House (Phius or PHI)
The passive house movement started in the 1970’s as a way to reduce America’s energy dependency during the OPEC oil embargo of 1973. We continued to advance and refine higher performing building techniques until the late 1980’s, when America’s energy crisis had subsided. A German physicist, Wolfgang Feist, grabbed ahold of the idea and took movement to the next level. The first official Passive House (or Passivhaus) was constructed in 1990 in Germany, the original organization in Germany named the movement Passivhaus Institute (PHI). Since then, the movement has gained a world-wide foothold. In 2007, Passive House Institute US (Phius) was formed with the biggest difference between PHI and Phius being climate specific standards.
Passive House is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency, with a passive house uses 40% to 60% less energy than a code build home. The standard is based on five principles, an airtight design, proper ventilation, moisture management, heating and cooling efficiency (both building insulation and equipment selection), and electrical load reductions. Passive house structures are certified by Phius trained raters and verifiers. Builders are also trained and certified in building to Phius standards. A certified Phius home should exceed the requirements of ZERH, qualifying for the $5,000 tax credit. More information can be found at: Phius | Phius Zero is the goal. Phius is the means.
Pretty Good House
The best way I can think of to describe Pretty Good House is through a quote from Chris Briley (one of the four authors) on the Pretty Good House website: Pretty Good House
“Dan (Kolbert, one of the other authors) while on a rant once, expressed frustration with the status quo, and even more frustration with the various rating systems that had him jumping through many hoops to prove that his work was in fact “green” and energy efficient. As many can attest, these systems can be very costly in time and money, and in the case of many green projects, they aren’t doing anything to advance the project. Rather they are simply certifying them. So, Dan simply stated, “I just want to build a pretty good house.””
Pretty Good House is simply a voluntary effort to build a better home. You can apply as many or as few of the measures outlined in the Pretty Good House book as you would like. The idea behind the movement is a healthy, efficient, comfortable and durable home that is affordable to construct and takes our environment into account (green). There are no certifications or tax incentives (though a home built to cover all the guidelines may qualify for any of the already mentioned certifications). The best advice I have for the Pretty Good House, buy and read the book! Pretty Good House: Maines, Michael, Kolbert, Daniel, Mottram, Emily, Briley, Christopher: 9781641551656: Amazon.com: Books
Four different pathways to construct an above code home. The energy code minimums dictated by the IECC are moving closer and closer towards these programs, for instance, the 2024 energy code reduces the air tightness of a structure requirements from past codes. Climate zones 0-2 are reduced from 5 ACH50 to 4 ACH50. Zones 3-5 remain at 3 ACH50, and the colder climate zones of 6-8 are reduced to 2.5 ACH50. If I were a betting man, I would place money on the energy code minimums eventually reaching the Zero Energy Ready program. Time will tell.
This post first appeared on the Andersen Windows and Doors Website.