Energy Rating Companies
Increase your competitive advantage with ENERGY STAR
Third party verification is a key part of the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction programs because it gives homebuyers and renters confidence that their new homes are energy efficient.
Energy Rating Companies (ERCs) (trained and certified professionals such as energy Raters, Rating Providers) who partner with ENERGY STAR can:
Grow company revenue
ERCs participating in either ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) or ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) gain exclusive access to thousands of ENERGY STAR builder and developer partners.
ERCs work closely with builders and developers to design homes and multifamily buildings that meet the program requirements and verify critical details during and after construction.
Expand service offerings
Partnering with ENERGY STAR is an opportunity for ERCs to expand beyond simply providing energy ratings or individual performance tests (e.g., blower door tests). ERCs can become an invaluable asset to their clients and transition to the role of energy consultants by providing value throughout the construction process.
Increase technical know-how
ENERGY STAR provides webinars and resources online that can help ERCs improve their understanding of building science.
Gain recognition & apply for national awards
ERC partners can leverage the ENERGY STAR brand and take advantage of a suite of sales and marketing resources to help attract and recruit clients. ERC partners also become eligible for national recognition from EPA in the form of ENERGY STAR Awards if they meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate exemplary leadership in the verification of certified homes and apartments.
Training & Credentialing Requirements
Raters and equivalent (such as Rating Field Inspectors) are required to complete EPA-recognized training and be credential by a Home Certification Organization (HCO) or meet the credential requirements of a Multifamily Review Organization (MRO) prior to completing inspections. To begin and maintain a partnership with ENERGY STAR, an ERC must identify staff who meet these qualifications.
Required Training Courses
The required Rater/RFI training depends on the ENERGY STAR program they will be verifying:
| ENERGY STAR Program | Required Verifier Training Course (Titles May Vary) |
| Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) |
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| Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) |
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* It is recommended for individuals primarily working in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to complete a version of the “ENERGY STAR v3 / 3.x” training tailored to the SFNH Caribbean Program Requirements.
Upon completing the training, raters will have a solid understanding of the program requirements and how to complete the ENERGY STAR checklists. Each course ends with a test, requiring at least 80% to pass.
It is the responsibility of each Energy Rating Company to ensure raters have met all training requirements and maintain documentation of completed training.
Locating an Accredited Training Provider
Current accredited training providers include:
- RESNET-Approved Training Providers (List of Approved Trainings)
- Building Science Institute, Ltd. Co.
- CHEERS
These training providers have access to ENERGY STAR training template resources through their My ENERGY STAR Account (MESA).
Access One-on-One Support
If you have a question about ENERGY STAR requirements that is not easily addressed by ENERGY STAR resources, contact us at our online help desk.