ENERGY STAR Recorded Webinars

If interested in viewing past ENERGY STAR webinars, contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov to receive a recording.

Proposed CA Program Reqs.: Single-Family New Homes v3.4 and Multifamily New Construction v1.4 and Revised Implementation Policy Webinar (PDF, 3.1 MB) (03/23/23)

In response to California's more stringent 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, EPA is proposing new versions of the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Requirements for California: Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) Version 3.4 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Version 1.4. These new versions are intended to ensure that ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments will continue to offer meaningful savings relative to those that are not certified.

Preparing for ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes Version 3 (PDF, 1.8 MB) (01/10/23)

This session introduces the ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes Version 3 program requirements, released in December 2022. Topics include the implementation timeline, an overview of the program requirements, and examples of alternative compliance options.

Note that this program is applicable specifically to homes built in a factory that are subject to the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards contained in 24 CFR 3280 (“HUD code”).

Preparing for the National Transition to Single-Family Version 3.1 and Multifamily Version 1.1 (PDF, 2.1 MB)  (10/20/22)

This session gets partners ready to successfully transition to the Version 3.1 and Version 1.1 program requirements, including identifying key efficiency measures used to hit the v3.1/v1.1 ENERGY STAR ERI Targets, how to run a v3.1/ v1.1 compliance report for any home, and reviewing the implementation timelines for the mandatory use of v3.1 and v1.1 in all states.

Overview of the Latest Revisions (Rev. 12 & 03) to ENERGY STAR Single-Family and Multifamily Programs (PDF, 4.0 MB) (10/11/22)

View this session to learn about the key changes included in ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Revision 12 and ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Revision 03, released in September 2022.

Introducing the ENERGY STAR NextGen Homes Program (PDF, 6.4 MB) (10/6/22)

Meeting the challenge of climate change will require that the new homes and apartments we build are both highly efficient and incorporate advanced electric technologies and electric vehicle charging capabilities. ENERGY STAR NextGen certification is an additional, optional level of recognition for homes and apartments that go above and beyond the core ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program requirements.

2022 ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Programs: The Year in Review / The Year Ahead (PDF, 4.3 MB) (10/5/22)

Join us as we kick off the 2022 ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Partner Meeting Webinar Series. This session, presented on October 4, 2022, provides updates on the program’s key initiatives and successes over the past year and previews what is on the horizon, including the new federal tax credit tied to ENERGY STAR certification.

Proposed ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes Version 2.1 Program Requirements (PDF, 1.2 MB) (8/11/22)

On August 1, 2022, in response the finalization of more stringent Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing, EPA released for stakeholder feedback a proposal for a new version of the ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes program requirements. This update is intended to ensure that ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes will continue to offer meaningful savings relative to those that are not certified. This webinar introduces the proposal, explains the process and timeline for providing stakeholder feedback, and answers questions.

Overview of ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (PDF, 7.9 MB) (4/27/22)

While ENERGY STAR certification for new construction multifamily buildings was previously allowed through the Certified Homes and MFHR programs, the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program is now required for any multifamily building with building permits on or after July 1, 2021.

The MFNC program is a streamlined certification program available to multifamily buildings of any height and contains similar technical requirements as ENERGY STAR programs previously available to multifamily. It offers project teams greater flexibility by allowing three options to achieving the Performance Target (ERI, ASHRAE 90.1, Prescriptive), and to maintain alignment with the Single-Family New Homes program, features the same checklist-style for program documents.

This webinar, presented on April 17, 2022, provides an overview of program requirementsbuilding eligibility, the certification process, and the roles and responsibilities of project team members.

Proposed California Program Requirements: Single-Family New Homes (SFNH), v3.3, Multifamily New Construction (MFNC), v1.3 (PDF, 1.6 MB) (4/18/22)

This webinar provides the rationale for developing the SFNH / MFNC California Program Requirements, Version 3.3 / 1.3, provides an overview of the draft requirements, explains how stakeholders can provide comments, and answers any initial questions.

Preparing for ENERGY STAR Version 3.1 in Maine (PDF, 1.7 MB) (10/20/21)

This webinar is designed to get partners up to speed with the Version 3.1 program requirements. It demonstrates how to run a v3.1 compliance report for any home, identifies key efficiency measures used to hit the v3.1 ENERGY STAR ERI Target in Maine, and reviews the v3.1 implementation timeline.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes and the Year Ahead (PDF, 2.2 MB) (10/7/21)

“Zero Energy Ready Homes” have grown from a niche product unfamiliar to many, to a standard offering in the marketplace found in stretch codes, utility programs, and affordable housing programs. But we’re still in the early stages of the journey to zero. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes program is moving to Version 2 in 2022, which will incorporate more proven innovations and establish ZERH as the stepping off point for future zero emissions homes. At the same time, Zero Energy Ready Homes have truly reached a tipping point with major commitments from large production builders, affordable housing developers, and military housing projects. Finally, the program is launching the ZERH-Multifamily spec to serve as the next step for Energy Star Multifamily New Construction builders. Listen to this session to learn more about these exciting program advancements and share your input and questions. 

A New Day for Building ENERGY STAR (PDF, 4.5 MB) (9/30/21)

With the advent of HVAC grading, ENERGY STAR offers unprecedented value for builders and owners alike. Listen to this session to get a fresh perspective on the seven essential features that certification adds above and beyond a good energy rating and learn about new resources for convincing builders to join or rejoin the program. 

ENERGY STAR: The Decade Ahead Starts Now (PDF, 1.5 MB) (9/29/21)

Meeting the challenges of climate change will require extensive and systematic improvements across the economy. EPA believes that in the residential sector, this will require moving newly constructed homes rapidly towards higher levels of efficiency, demand responsive heat pumps for space and water heating, and EV charging capability. Listen this session to learn about the proposed new certification and recognition opportunity from the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program that will help EPA and our partners prove that it’s possible to build the home of tomorrow, today.

Raising the Bar: Advancing the Versions of ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction (PDF, 1.5 MB) (9/27/21)

Over the last 10 years, national model energy codes have advanced significantly. Though not adopted in all states, these codes have shown that higher levels of performance are achievable and cost-effective. Even in states where code adoption has lagged, builders’ construction practices have continued to advance. Listen to this session to learn how we intend to raise the bar by incrementing the Single-Family New Homes v3.x and Multifamily New Construction v1.x series of program requirements, moving the industry forward in states with both lagging and leading codes.

ENERGY STAR Residential Branch Marketing & Communications (PDF, 7.3 MB) (9/23/21)

Earlier this year, the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program launched a new look and feel for our marketing and outreach materials, along with a paid media campaign. This webinar provides an overview of what EPA has seen as a result of the new materials and campaign and provides an overview of what’s coming next. You’ll also get a sneak peek of the video that we’ve created to celebrate the program’s 2 million+ home milestone. You won’t want to miss the celebration!

2021 ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Programs: The Year in Review/ The Year Ahead (PDF, 6.9 MB) (9/21/21)

Join us as we kick off the 2021 ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Partner Meeting Webinar Series. This session provides updates on the program’s key initiatives and successes over the past year and look ahead to what’s on the horizon for the remainder of 2021, 2022, and beyond.

Preparing for ENERGY STAR Version 3.1 in Georgia, New Mexico, & Utah (PDF, 1.0 MB) (7/15/21)

This webinar is designed to get partners up to speed with the Version 3.1 program requirements. It demonstrates how to run a v3.1 compliance report for any home, identifies key efficiency measures used to hit the v3.1 ENERGY STAR ERI Target in Georgia, New Mexico, and Utah, and reviews the v3.1 implementation timeline.

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction: This Is The Way (PDF, 6.2 MB) (6/22/21)

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction: This is the Way (PDF, 6.0 MB) (5/19/21)

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction: This is the Way (PDF, 8.1 MB) (2/22/21)

The ENERGY STAR programs for new construction multifamily buildings are quickly approaching an important transition date: July 1, 2021. Many of you are a part of a project team that is pursuing ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction certification for the first time. Whether you are still in design phase or already into the construction phase, these webinars provides an opportunity to ask program specific questions and learn more about the program overall. These sessions start with a brief overview of the MFNC program, provide a guided tour of the MFNC website so you can find information & resources quickly, and then provide an extended opportunity for project teams to ask questions and have them answered by our team.

Start with ENERGY STAR (Multifamily New Construction) (PDF, 11.0 MB) (6/16/21)

Are you new to ENERGY STAR? Looking to exceed energy code (or go all the way to zero) in the multifamily building(s) you design, build, or fund, but don’t know where to begin? Start with ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction.

EPA developed their ENERGY STAR programs to identify cost-effective measures that result in better-than-code buildings, coupled with independent third-party verification, that follow the building from design to construction completion. ENERGY STAR certified multifamily buildings are designed to be at least 10% more efficient than buildings built to code and, on average, deliver utility bill savings of more than 20% for residents and building owners. In addition to saving energy and money, ENERGY STAR certified multifamily buildings also meet requirements that improve comfort, indoor air quality, and building durability.

Listen to this webinar to learn more about the benefits of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program, as well as an overview of program requirements, the certification process, and building eligibility. In addition, if you are a utility or finance agency, we’ll show you the resources available to help you develop incentive programs and financing based on ENERGY STAR certification.

ENERGY STAR Quality Assurance Checklists: Key Enhancements (PDF, 9.3 MB) (6/2/21)

View this webinar to learn about the significant changes that have been made to this year's ENERGY STAR Quality Assurance Checklist for Single-Family New Homes and Multifamily New Construction, and our new process for resolving homeowner complaints, called "Certification Review". You'll learn how to use the checklist during QA reviews and get answers to common QA policy questions.

Designed for Success: 310 HVAC Design Report and Rater Review (PDF, 2.9 MB) (2/22/21)

Before a home can earn points using the new HVAC grading standard, ANSI / ACCA / RESNET 310, a complete HVAC design report must be completed, reviewed, and verified to meet specific criteria. While similar in concept to the ENERGY STAR HVAC Design Report, there are several important differences. Review this webinar to see the new 310 HVAC Design Report template, learn about the 310 design review criteria, and understand how the design review fits into ENERGY STAR certification.

WaterSense Labeled Homes Version 2.0 (PDF, 2.1 MB)  (11/19/20)

The WaterSense labeled homes program is designed to encourage the construction and purchase of water-efficient, high-performing homes. In 2020, EPA is rolling out Version 2.0 of the WaterSense labeled homes program. Version 2.0 minimizes mandatory requirements and transitions to a more performance-based efficiency requirement. EPA aims for these changes to remove many of the technical and administrative barriers many builders have encountered in building WaterSense labeled homes. WaterSense labeled homes Version 2.0 will increase flexibility, adapt to changes in the building industry, and expand the reach of the program so that a broader range of builders and professionals can participate.

ES Marketing Materials & Communications for Residential New Construction Partners (PDF, 9.6 MB)  (11/17/20)

Over the last several months, EPA has been talking to partners about their experience selling ENERGY STAR and energy efficiency to consumers. This webinar will provide an overview of what EPA has learned from our conversations and how we're planning to support you to engage homebuyers about the features and benefits of ENERGY STAR certified homes throughout all stages of the homebuying process. You'll also get a sneak peek at our plans to celebrate the ENERGY STAR program's 2 million home milestone.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Revision 11 (PDF, 1.5 MB) (11/12/20)

Learn about the changes included in ENERGY STAR Revision 11, released Fall 2020.

Indoor airPLUS Version 2 (PDF, 3.9 MB) (11/10/20)

If you've been building ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments, but you're interested in going further in marketing healthier, high-performance homes, now is a great time to step up to earn EPA's Indoor airPLUS label. Join this session to hear how EPA's voluntary partnership programs and thoughtful indoor air quality improvements can help reshape your marketing approach at a pivotal time for homebuyers and tenants. EPA representatives outline many of the newly proposed Indoor airPLUS Version 2 Construction Specifications.

ENERGY STAR + HVAC Grading (PDF, 5.6 MB) (11/5/20)

HVAC grading is almost here! Learn how the new ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310 standard for grading HVAC design and installation integrates with ENERGY STAR, offers new opportunities for ERI points, streamlines the certification process, and provides an opportunity to bring builders back to the program. 

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Revision 2 (PDF, 5.8 MB) (10/30/20)

Join this session to learn about the key changes included in ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Revision 02, released October 2020. This webinar is geared toward ENERGY STAR stakeholders that have already attended our prior introductory-level webinars about the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program and are familiar with the overall certification process and program requirements.  

As a reminder, While the ENERGY STAR MFNC program has been available for all multifamily projects since early 2019, multifamily projects with three or more units must certify under MFNC if permitted on or after July 1, 2021. Multifamily projects permitted prior to July 1, 2021, may continue to certify through the MFHR or Certified Homes program, based on the eligibility requirements of those programs.

ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Programs: The Year in Review / The Year Ahead (PDF, 4.7 MB) (10/28/20)

Join us as we kick off the 2020 ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Partner Meeting Webinar Series. This session provides updates on the program’s key initiatives and successes over the past year and looks ahead to what’s on the horizon for the remainder of 2020, 2021, and beyond. 

Introduction to ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (PDF, 4.7 MB)  (10/14/20)

EPA launched the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program in early 2019 to better serve the multifamily sector. The program features technical requirements from the Certified Homes and MFHR programs, allows three options to achieving the Performance Target (ERI, ASHRAE 90.1, Prescriptive), and adopted the Certified Homes checklist-style for program documents. This webinar provides an overview of program requirements, the certification processbuilding eligibility, and the transition timeline. Multifamily buildings permitted prior to July 1, 2021 may continue to certify through the MFHR or Certified Homes program, based on the eligibility requirements of those programs. Projects that will be certified through the MFHR program must submit their MFHR Project Application to a Multifamily Review Organization (MRO) before January 1, 2021.

ENERGY STAR MFNC Multifamily Workbook Tutorial (PDF, 544 KB) (6/3/20)

This webinar is geared toward ENERGY STAR stakeholders that have already attended our prior introductory-level webinars about the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program and are familiar with the overall certification process and program requirements. This webinar provides a guided tour of the Multifamily Workbook. Items discussed include the benefits of the Excel versions of the Rater Design Review Checklist and Rater Field Checklist, automated calculations of the Performance Testing Targets, reporting template for sampled testing results, automated envelope and fenestration compliance checks, and demonstrating how color-coded fields show what is required for ASHRAE and Prescriptive projects at Proposed Design and As-Built Submittals.

Preparing for ENERGY STAR Version 3.1 in Pennsylvania & Nebraska (PDF, 1.0 MB) (6/2/20)

This webinar is designed to get partners up to speed with the Version 3.1 program requirements. It demonstrates how to run a v3.1 compliance report for any home, identifies key efficiency measures used to hit the v3.1 ENERGY STAR ERI Target in Nebraska and Pennsylvania, and reviews the v3.1 implementation timeline.

Deep Dive: Technical Details of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program (PDF, 4.2 MB)  (3/5/20)

This advanced-level webinar is geared toward ENERGY STAR stakeholders that have already attended our prior introductory level webinars about the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program and are already familiar with building eligibility, participant requirements, program documents, transition timeline, and overall certification process. This webinar provides in-depth details on Revision 01 highlights, details of the Rater checklists, not covered in Rater training, specific requirements in the HVAC Functional Testing Checklist, sampling in common spaces, using the Multifamily Workbook.

How to Utilize the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program (PDF, 5.0 MB) (2/6/20)

Interested in capturing energy savings in the multifamily new construction sector? Learn how your sponsoring program can leverage the ENERGY STAR brand to promote energy efficiency in this expanding market. All multifamily projects are eligible for the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program. This webinar provides an overview of the program requirements, the certification process, the program participants, a comparison to other ENERGY STAR programs, the program's relationship to other Green Building programs, the associated costs & savings, examples of multifamily incentive programs, and marketing resources for utilities.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Revision 10 for Partners (PDF, 1.7 MB) (11/21/19)
Released in November 2019, Revision 10 of the national and regional program requirements improves clarity, provides alternative compliance options, and addresses unintended barriers to implementation. This webinar reviews the changes, clarifications, and refinements you need to know about in Revision 10.

Utilizing the ENERGY STAR Sales Training Toolkit (PDF, 2.5 MB) (4/2/19)
In late 2018, we released the updated ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Sales Training Toolkit. This resource is designed to help your sales team better engage homeowners on the distinct features and benefits of ENERGY STAR, and ultimately sell more homes. Watch this webinar to learn how to effectively utilize this resource with your sales team, identify how to craft unique value propositions that resonate with prospective home buyers, and learn about newly added fact sheets and customizable resources. By the end, you’ll have the necessary tools and materials to implement an engaging in-person sales training during your next sales meeting.

 HERS Points for HVAC Design and Installation (PDF, 933 KB) (12/5/18)
Watch this webinar to learn about efforts from EPA and RESNET to reward proper design and installation of HVAC systems with HERS points. This will include an overview of where EPA and RESNET are in the process of developing a new standard, tests that may be required, and potential HERS impact.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Revision 09 for Partners (PDF, 1.2 MB) (9/9/18)
Released in September 2018, Revision 09 of the national and regional program requirements improves clarity, provides alternative compliance options, and addresses unintended barriers to implementation. This webinar reviews the changes, clarifications, and refinements you need to know about in Revision 09.

Sales and Savings: Smart Thermostats for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes (PDF, 5.4 MB) (1/30/18)
Click here for technical bulletin companion: Smart Thermostat Technical Bulletin (PDF, 197 KB)
The average American household spends nearly half of their annual energy bill on heating and cooling. By installing smart thermostats in new homes, builders can provide residents a more effective way to control their temperature settings to stay comfortable and save money. Hear from representatives of Nest and Ecobee, the leading manufacturers of learning thermostats, on how learning thermostats are being incorporated into new homes and how ENERGY STAR partners can tap into this new market to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Co-presenter Abigail Daken, ENERGY STAR Smart Thermostat Product Manager, provides an overview of energy savings and available incentives.

Top Builder Tips for Choosing LED Lighting (PDF, 3.2 MB) (7/13/17)
Click here for technical bulletin companion: LED Lighting Technical Bulletin (PDF, 121 KB)
As LED technology advances and prices continue to drop, market adoption of LEDs is growing steadily, including in new homes. You may already know that ENERGY STAR certified LED lighting is efficient (using 90% less energy than traditional lighting) and will last a really long time (more than 20 years on average). However, to get the most from your lighting design, there are a range of issues to consider. In this webinar, industry manufactures Eaton and Lutron joined the ENERGY STAR Homes program to discuss some of the most important LED lighting considerations.

Preparing for ENERGY STAR Version 3.1 in CT, NY, & TX (PDF, 1.4 MB) (6/6/17)
Version 3.1 of the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes National Program Requirements has been developed for homes in states that have adopted the 2012 IECC, or equivalent. The purpose of this new version is to ensure that the ENERGY STAR certified homes program will continue to deliver meaningful savings relative to non-certified homes in states with this more rigorous code. This webinar covers what builders and Raters should know about Version 3.1, applicable to homes permitted on or after October 1, 2017.

This webinar was hosted to assist partners in the states that first adopted v3.1 of the program requirements, but the information is still applicable for partners in states that have more recently adopted v3.1. It should be noted that after the publication of this webinar, the implementation timeline for Texas was extended from 10/01/2017 to 07/01/2018.

Making ENERGY STAR Certified Homes EV-Ready (PDF, 999 KB) (5/17/17)
On December 27, 2016, EPA finalized its first-ever ENERGY STAR specification for electric vehicle chargers. While EV-readiness is not a requirement for certifying new homes, builders who cater to homeowners’ changing demands will benefit from understanding what is needed to make a home ready for an EV charging station. Ed Pike, a Senior Engineer at Energy Solutions, is a national expert on EV charging for residential applications. In this webinar, he presents on state/local government codes to promote electric infrastructure for EV charging, technical requirements for installation, and cost savings from making homes and apartments EV-ready. Co-presenter John Morris, a leader for electric vehicles and efficient homes in the Northwest, shares findings from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s 2016 Northwest Electric Vehicle Market Assessment.

Dollars and Sense: Modeling Cost Savings in ENERGY STAR homes (PDF, 1.4 MB) (9/29/16)
Watch this webinar to gain tips for modeling ENERGY STAR homes cost-effectively and to offer greater cost-savings to your builder clients.

Leverage the Power of the ENERGY STAR Brand to Gain Market Advantage (PDF, 9.6 MB) (4/5/16)
Market research shows that today's home buyers want more value in the form of greater energy efficiency. Watch this webinar to learn about ENERGY STAR's consumer marketing materials and activities and how you can distinguish yourself among energy-conscious home buyers.

Learn more about our Related Programs

Indoor airPLUS WaterSense DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes
EPA’s Indoor airPLUS program builds on ENERGY STAR certification by requiring additional indoor air quality protections to deliver a home that minimizes exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants. EPA’s WaterSense labeled homes allow families to enjoy all the comforts of home while using less water and energy and spending less money on utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program builds on ENERGY STAR certification by incorporating more rigorous requirements to deliver a higher level of home performance.