A Comparison of ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes Programs

Eric Werling, ICF Consulting
Jonathan Passe, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Keywords

Abstract

The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program for labeled homes has now been operating for over six years. In that time, ENERGY STAR has gained significant momentum. Many utilities and several States have adopted the model for their public benefits market transformation programs. The logo is the same, but each program is different. This paper will compare and contrast the differences in program design and implementation for three distinct ENERGY STAR programs for new construction: the EPA’s nationally focused effort, the NYSERDA funded New York State program, and Reliant Energy’s program for ENERGY STAR labeled homes in the Houston area. The lead author has played a significant role in the design and implementation of each of these programs, and has learned many market transformation lessons along the way. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences in these programs, in an attempt to better understand the driving forces for market transformation in the residential new construction markets. Factors considered include funding available, market size and variability, marketing campaigns, verification approaches, market barriers faced, and program results to date. From this analysis, future program directions and challenges will be introduced, and methods of collaboration between programs are suggested.