Become a Recognized HCO

Since its inception, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program has required third-party verification of homes and apartments that earn ENERGY STAR certification. In 2019, the EPA undertook a comprehensive update of its structure to formally recognize the independent organizations, called Home Certification Organizations (HCOs), that provide oversight of the verification process. The certification structure for homes and apartments using an Energy Rating Index or dwelling unit modeling compliance path is defined by two documents:

• ENERGY STAR Certification System (PDF, 560 KB)
  
  This document establishes the specific eligibility criteria, policy requirements, and certification procedures required of a Home Certification Organization (HCO). ¹ 
   
• ENERGY STAR Certification Protocol (PDF, 179 KB)
  
  This companion document identified the Standards and ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction national and regional Program Requirements required to be met for a home or apartment to earn the ENERGY STAR certification when an ERI-based path is used.
   

Historical documents can be found in the Archives.

An organization seeking to become an HCO must submit an 'Application for Recognition' to the EPA that demonstrates that it meets the program's eligibility criteria and has the capability, competencies, and proper controls to implement an ENERGY STAR certification program in accordance with the ENERGY STAR Certification System and the ENERGY STAR Certification Protocol. Organizations may apply for HCO recognition at the national level, in California only, or both nationally and in California.

Completed 'Applications for Recognition' should be submitted to the EPA at the physical address below, or via email at energystarhomes@energystar.gov.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The EPA will confirm receipt of applications received within five business days. Note that all applicants must also participate in a formal interview process with EPA staff, which will be conducted either at the EPA's offices or via conference call. The EPA also strongly encourages organizations considering pursuing recognition to contact ENERGY STAR to discuss their interest before applying.

The EPA will evaluate each Application for Recognition and provide a written determination of its review to the associated applicant. In cases where the EPA determines that the applicant failed to meet program requirements, the EPA will identify areas of deficiency. Applicants whose applications are denied are eligible to submit a revised application for review no sooner than twelve (12) months from the most recent EPA determination. 

¹ The EPA's recognition of an HCO relates solely and specifically to the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction programs for site-built single-family homes and multifamily buildings that are certified using an Energy Rating Index (ERI) or, in California, dwelling unit modeling approach, and does not qualify an organization to implement or participate in other aspects of the ENERGY STAR program. (e.g., ENERGY STAR certification of multifamily buildings using an ASHRAE-based approach or ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes), nor federal tax credit verification (unless ENERGY STAR is specifically required for tax credit eligibility).

² The requirement to certify through an HCO in California goes into effect for homes and apartments certified using ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) California Version 3.3 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) California Version 1.3. Visit www.energystar.gov/newhomesrequirements for more details including the Version implementation timelines. Applications for HCO recognition in California are currently being accepted and reviewed.