ENERGY STAR® is a nationally recognized, voluntary program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, homes and buildings to consumers and business owners across the United States. Initiated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992, ENERGY STAR is now a joint effort of EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). EPA is responsible for administering the ENERGY STAR New Homes program.

An ENERGY STAR certified home is more energy efficient in its heating and cooling than a comparable home built to code. This increased level of energy efficiency can be met using standard technologies and manufacturing practices by successfully integrating three key home components:

• Energy-efficient building envelope (e.g., effective insulation, high-performance windows, and tight construction practices),

• Energy-efficient space heating and cooling equipment, and

• Energy-efficient air distribution (e.g., airtight, well-insulated ducts).