This page contains program documents that were previously available for stakeholder feedback, along with stakeholder comments, EPA’s response to comments, finalized policy announcements, and associated materials, posted in reverse chronological order.
ENERGY STAR California Program Requirements: Single-Family New Homes v3.4 and Multifamily New Construction v1.4 and Revised Implementation Policy for all California Versions
In response to California's more stringent 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, EPA proposed 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.
In addition, EPA proposed to revise its policy for determining which version of the program must be used to certify homes and apartments, to be based on a home’s or building’s permit date and the edition of code being enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The revised policy is contained within the draft program documents.
Finalized Policy Announcement (05/01/2023)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 05/01/2023.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA's Response to First Comment Period (05/01/2023)
Resources Available During First Comment Period (03/15/2023 – 04/12/2023)
- 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). Presented on 05/01/2023. Contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov to receive a recording of the webinar.
- Stakeholder Feedback Form (WORD, 151 KB) – Use this form to submit comments no later than April 12, 2023.
- Draft 1 SFNH CA Program Requirements, Version 3.4 (PDF, 211 KB)
- SFNH CA Program Requirements, Version 3.3 (PDF, 215 KB) (only change is proposed revision to implementation policy)
- SFNH CA Program Requirements, Version 3.2 (PDF, 215 KB) (only change is proposed revision to implementation policy)
- Draft 1 MFNC CA Program Requirements, Version 1.4 (PDF, 264 KB)
- MFNC CA Program Requirements, Version 1.3 (PDF, 309 KB) (only change is proposed revision to implementation policy)
- MFNC CA Program Requirements, Version 1.2 (PDF, 472 KB) (only change is proposed revision to implementation policy)
ENERGY STAR Manufactured New Homes National Program Requirements Version 3 (formerly labeled v2.1)
Finalized Policy Announcement (12/13/2022)
In August 2022, EPA solicited stakeholder feedback on a proposed new version of the ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes program requirements, which was initially referred to as Version 2.1 but was ultimately titled Version 3. EPA appreciated the variety of input received on these issues. All draft documents, stakeholder comments, and EPA's response can be found below.
EPA has finalized the new ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes Version 3 program requirements. Manufactured homes produced on or after May 31, 2023 must be certified using Version 3. The final Version 3 program requirements and further details on the implementation timeline are available on the ENERGY STAR program requirements web page.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (12/13/2022)
All comments received from partners and other stakeholders and EPA's Response to Stakeholder Feedback are now available.
Resources Available During Comment Period (08/01/2022 – 08/29/2022)
In response to the finalization of more stringent Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing, EPA proposed a new version of the ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes program requirements. This new version was intended to ensure that ENERGY STAR certified manufactured homes will continue to offer meaningful savings relative to those that are not certified.
EPA presented on this proposal on August 11. Review the slides below and contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov to receive a recording of these sessions.
ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Requirements for California, Single-Family New Homes Version 3.3 / Multifamily New Construction Version 1.3 and Extension of Home Certification Organization (HCO) Oversight to California
Finalized Policy Announcement (05/09/2022)
In response to California's more stringent 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, EPA proposed new versions of the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Program Requirements for California. In addition, EPA proposed to extend the Home Certification Organization (HCO) construct to cover homes and apartments certified in California.
1. EPA has finalized the new program requirements for California, called SFNH California Version 3.3 and MFNC California Version 1.3, with an implementation date of January 1, 2023.
Consistent with the Draft 1 proposal, the new program updates will maintain savings of at least 10% relative to California's more stringent 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The final requirements have been posted on the ENERGY STAR program requirements web page.
2. EPA has finalized the extension of the Home Certification Organization oversight structure to California, beginning with homes and apartments certified using SFNH California Version 3.3 and MFNC California Version 1.3.
Consistent with the Draft 1 proposal, EPA will require that raters work under the auspices of an HCO that has been recognized by EPA to operate in California when certifying homes and apartments to SFNH California Version 3.3 and MFNC California Version 1.3 (and later) using a dwelling unit modeling approach. EPA is actively working with oversight organizations in the state and nationally to ensure they are informed about the extension of the HCO requirement to California. Learn more about Home Certification Organizations.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (05/09/2022)
Resources Available During Comment Period (04/18/2022 – 05/02/ 2022)
In response to California's more stringent 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, EPA proposed new versions of the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Program Requirements for California. 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.
In addition, EPA proposed to extend the Home Certification Organization (HCO) construct to cover homes and apartments certified in California using a dwelling unit modeling approach. The requirement to certify through an HCO would be in effect for homes and apartments certified using the new California Program Requirements versions referenced above (SFNH v3.3 and MFNC v1.3). Organizations would be able to apply for HCO recognition at the national level, in California only, or both nationally and in California.
Draft California SFNH v3.3 / MFNC v1.3 and Extension of HCO Oversight to California documents for stakeholder feedback are available below.
EPA presented on these initiatives on April 18, 2022. Review the slides below and contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov to receive a recording of these sessions.
ENERGY STAR California SFNH v3.3 / MFNC v1.3 and Extension of HCO Oversight to California Documents
ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Roadmap and Framework
Finalized Policy Announcement (05/16/2022)
Since October 2021, EPA has engaged stakeholders on several important initiatives to advance the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program requirements.
1. EPA has finalized new program requirements, called Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National v3.2 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National v1.2, for states that adopt the 2021 IECC or equivalent.
Consistent with the Draft 2 proposal, the new requirements will maintain savings of at least 10% while advancing the thermal backstop to 100% of the 2021 IECC UA value in January 2025. An interim backstop of 105% of the 2021 IECC UA value will be provided for homes and apartments permitted prior to this date.
The final ENERGY STAR ERI Target Procedures have been posted on the ENERGY STAR program requirements web page so that EPA can begin working with rating software providers to support these new versions. The remaining final documents, consistent with the Draft 2 proposal, will be released with the next Revision of the program, anticipated this Fall.
2. EPA has finalized the technical specifications for a new certification label that provides additional recognition for new homes & apartments that include efficient electric technologies and EV charging capability.
EPA is beginning work on developing program infrastructure, guidance materials/resources, training, and marketing materials to support a launch of the new program, called ENERGY STAR NextGen Homes and Apartments, in 2023. The technical specifications are now posted for reference purposes; however, homes and apartments may not be certified until the program is launched next year.
EPA’s Partial Response to First Comment Period (05/16/2022)
On May 16, 2022, EPA responded to the comments received during the first comment period on its third initiative regarding the introduction of the proposed new Next Generation program.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response to Second Comment Period (05/01/2022)
Resources Available During Second Comment Period (03/21/2022 – 04/15/2022)
In October 2021, EPA released an ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Roadmap/Framework Document, which contained proposals for three important initiatives to advance and expand the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction programs.
While commenters provided feedback on a variety of issues related to the proposed new program requirements, the majority of comments received were related to the new proposed Thermal Backstop. EPA appreciates the variety of input received on this issue.
In response to stakeholders' feedback, EPA developed revised Draft 2 Single Family Version 3.2 and Multifamily Version 1.2 program requirements. The primary change contained in Draft 2 was that EPA revised the proposed thermal backstop in Draft 2 of the SFNH v3.2 and MFNC v1.2 program requirements. While the original proposal to align the thermal backstop with the 2021 IECC was retained, a transition period was added to allow homes and apartments permitted before January 1, 2025, to be certified with a total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to 105% of the total UA resulting from the U-factors in the 2021 IECC.
The thermal backstop defines the minimum levels of insulation and window performance that a home or apartment must use and is designed to ensure that insulation and windows are not traded off for other efficiency measures to a degree that EPA believes would negatively impact performance and homebuyer comfort. EPA recognizes that some stakeholders have advocated for keeping the backstop at the 2021 IECC prescriptive levels, or an equivalent UA value, as originally proposed, while others support a less stringent backstop that would allow for more flexibility in tradeoffs of the envelope with other measures.
EPA notes that there is precedent for EPA setting the thermal backstop in alignment with the Reference Design, as it did when SFNH v3.0 and MFNC v1.0 were first introduced, as well as for setting the backstop at a lower level than the Reference Design, as it did for SFNH v3.1 and MFNC v1.1. In this case, EPA believes it is important to set a high bar for the insulation and window levels to ensure the long-term performance of certified homes and apartments as the program advances.
At the same time, EPA recognizes that increasing the thermal backstop from the 2009 IECC (as used in the prior versions) to the 2021 IECC is a significant advancement, and based on the feedback received, EPA believes that providing partners with additional time to prepare for such a change is warranted, particularly in the first states to have the new versions enforced.
As a result, EPA revised the proposed thermal backstop in Draft 2 as described above. This represents a significant immediate and long-term advance in the thermal backstop while providing partners and the market with a reasonable amount of time to develop solutions that achieve the full 2021 IECC enclosure levels.
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 Updated Documents
ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 Updated Documents
EPA also provided a redline track changes version of the revised proposal to allow stakeholders to easily identify all the updates that have been made in the revised draft.
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 Redline Documents
ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 Redline Documents
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Partial Response to First Comment Period (03/21/2022)
On March 21, 2022, EPA posted all comments received during the first comment period and responded to the comments received on its second initiative regarding the introduction of new versions of both the Single-Family New Homes and Multifamily New Construction program requirements, called SFNH National Version 3.2 and MFNC National Version 1.2, respectively.
Finalized Policy Announcement (12/14/2021)
On December 14, 2021, EPA announced the finalized policy for the first of its the three initiatives included in the Framework Document, with additional details provided in its February 2022 reminder:
1. Transition all states where ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) Version 3.0 is still in effect to Version 3.1. Similarly, this transition will move states currently subject to Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Version 1.0 to Version 1.1 and advance the baseline ASHRAE code in multifamily to ASHRAE 90.1-2010.
- Single-Family: In states where Version 3.0 of the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes National Program Requirements is still in effect, homes permitted on or after January 1, 2023 will be required to meet Version 3.1.
- Multifamily: In states* where Version 1.0 of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction National Program Requirements is still in effect, buildings permitted on or after January 1, 2024 using the Prescriptive or ERI Paths will be required to meet Version 1.1; and those using the ASHRAE Path will be required to meet a performance target baseline of ASHRAE 90.1-2010 or later. (*Due to recent code updates, multifamily buildings in Virginia permitted on or after April 1, 2023, will be required to use Version 1.1 of the National ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program requirements.)
EPA also noted that it was continuing to review and evaluate comments received on its other two initiatives regarding the proposed Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 program requirements and the proposed new Next Generation program.
Resources Available During First Comment Period (10/18/2021 – 11/15/2021)
The Framework Document consists of three important proposed initiatives to advance and expand the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction programs to keep pace with advancing building codes, foster a clean energy economy, and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the residential sector. Through the document, EPA is proposing to:
1. Transition all states where ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) Version 3.0 is still in effect to Version 3.1. Similarly, this transition will move states currently subject to Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) Version 1.0 to Version 1.1 and advance the baseline ASHRAE code in multifamily to ASHRAE 90.1-2010.
2. Introduce new versions of both the Single-Family New Homes and Multifamily New Construction program requirements, called SFNH National Version 3.2 and MFNC National Version 1.2, respectively. These new versions will maintain the same program structure as Version 3.1 and Version 1.1 and are designed to achieve 10 percent savings relative to the 2021 IECC. The new requirements will only become mandatory in states that adopt the 2021 IECC or an equivalently stringent code.
3. Introduce a new advanced certification program, beyond the core ENERGY STAR program requirements, to provide additional recognition for the next generation of homes and apartments that incorporate efficient electric technologies such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooking, and electric vehicle charging capabilities.
EPA presented on these initiatives. Review the slides below and contact energystarhomes@energystar.gov to receive a recording of these sessions.
ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Roadmap and Framework Document
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 Documents
ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 Documents
ENERGY STAR New Certification Program Documents
Stakeholder Feedback Comment Form
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) Caribbean Program Requirements Version 3
Finalized Policy Announcement (10/29/2019)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 10/29/2019.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (10/22/2019)
EPA received comments from the following organizations and / or groups:
EPA's Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 267 KB) contains a summary of comments received, along with EPA's response to each point raised, and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (07/09/2019 – 08/09/2019)
ENERGY STAR Manufactured New Homes National Program Requirements Version 2
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (07/01/2019)
EPA received comments from the following organizations and / or groups:
EPA's Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 256 KB) contains a summary of comments received, along with EPA's response to each point raised, and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (05/28/2019 – 06/11/2019)
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response to First Comment Period (05/28/2019)
EPA received comments from the following organizations and / or groups:
EPA's Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments contains a summary of comments received, along with EPA's response to each point raised, and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During First Comment Period (04/04/2019 – 05/06/2019)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) Oregon and Washington Program Requirements Version 3.2
Finalized Policy Announcement (05/17/2018)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 05/17/2018.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response
No stakeholder comments were received; therefore, EPA did not prepare a response.
Resources Available During Comment Period (03/28/2018 – 04/11/2018)
Version 3.2 Program Requirements for Washington have been developed in response to its 2015 state energy code. These program requirements were then extended to Oregon in response to Oregon’s 2017 state energy code. The purpose of these new Program Requirements for Oregon and Washington are to ensure that the ENERGY STAR certified homes program will continue to deliver meaningful savings relative to non-certified homes. There are two key components to the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program – an efficiency target and mandatory inspection checklists. In Version 3.2, the efficiency target has been made more stringent than in Version 3.1 of the National Program Requirements. However, the mandatory inspection checklists remain unchanged. These Version 3.2 Program Requirements were proposed to be applicable to all homes permitted in Washington on or after 07/01/2018, and in Oregon on or after 04/01/2019.
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) Washington Program Requirements Version 3.2
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (11/27/2017)
- EPA received comments (PDF, 107KB) from partners and other stakeholders regarding the draft Washington v3.2 program requirements. The comments are listed alphabetically by organization name.
- EPA's Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 225KB) This document contains a summary of comments received, along with EPA's response to each point raised and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (10/16/2017 – 10/27/2017)
Version 3.2 Program Requirements for Washington have been developed in response to its 2015 state energy code. There are two key components to the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program – an efficiency target and mandatory inspection checklists. In Version 3.2, the efficiency target has been made more stringent than in Version 3.1 of the National Program Requirements. However, the mandatory inspection checklists remain unchanged. These Version 3.2 Program Requirements were proposed to be applicable to all homes permitted in Washington on or after 07/01/2018.
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) California Program Requirements Version 3.2
Finalized Policy Announcement (12/08/2017)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 12/08/2017.
Resources Available During Comment Period (11/06/2017 – 11/17/2017)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) California Program Requirements Version 3.1
Finalized Policy Announcement (12/02/2015)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 12/02/2015.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (11/06/2015)
The draft Version 3.1 Program Documents for California were available for comment from 10/20/2015 through 11/06/2015. During this period EPA did not receive any comments.
Resources Available During Comment Period (10/20/2015 – 11/06/2015)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) National Program Requirements Version 3.1
Finalized Policy Announcement (02/24/2014)
EPA announced the release of the finalized program requirements on 02/24/2014.
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (02/24/2014)
- EPA received comments (PDF, 598KB) from partners and other stakeholders regarding the draft National v3.1 program requirements. The comments are listed alphabetically by organization name. EPA separately received comments from CEE (3,585KB).
- EPA's Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 306KB) This document contains a summary of comments received, along with EPA's response to each point raised and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (11/20/2013 – 12/20/2013)
Gut Rehabilitation Alternative Compliance Pathways
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (12/31/2012)
- EPA received comments (PDF, 337 KB) from partners and other stakeholders. The comments are listed alphabetically by organization name. Note: These were the proposed alternatives and not all alternatives were adopted. For the available alternatives, please see the most recent Policy Record found here: Recent Policy Changes and Clarifications.
- EPAs Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 535 KB) — This document contains a summary of comments received during the gut rehabilitation comment period, along with EPA's response to each point raised and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (Ended 10/10/2012)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) Florida Program Requirements Version 3
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (09/15/2011)
- EPA received comments (PDF, 107KB) from partners and other stakeholders regarding the draft Florida v3 program requirements.
- EPA’s Response to Stakeholder and Partner Comments (PDF, 34KB) — This document contains a summary of comments received during the Florida comment period, along with EPA's response to each point raised and the resulting policy change, if any.
Resources Available During Comment Period (Ended 05/27/2011)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) Hawaii and Puerto Rico Program Requirements Version 3
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (05/27/2012)
Resources Available During Comment Period (Ended 05/22/2011)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) California Program Requirements Version 3
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response (09/15/2011)
Resources Available During Comment Period (02/10/2021 -03/15/2011)
ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) National Program Requirements Version 3
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response to Second Comment Period (04/08/2010)
Resources Available During Second Comment Period (11/16/2009 – 12/16/2009)
Stakeholder Comments and EPA’s Response to First Comment Period (11/16/2009)
*Recommendations to use a "full-fuel-cycle" methodology for the proposed guidelines were expressed by both the National Propane Gas Association and the American Gas Association. In EPA's response to comments, these concerns were inadvertently attributed to only the National Propane Gas Association.
- EPA's Response to RESNET Comments (PDF, 75KB). In the summer of 2009, RESNET submitted feedback to EPA regarding the proposed changes. EPA reviewed this document and has prepared a detailed response to the concerns in this document.
Resources Available During First Comment Period (05/01/2009 – 07/10/2009)
- Proposed Version 3 specifications (PDF, 582KB)
- Checklists (PDF, 162KB)
- ENERGY STAR Version 3 FAQ (PDF, 39KB) — Frequently asked questions about ENERGY STAR Version 3.
- ENERGY STAR Version 3 Fact Sheet (PDF, 138KB) — Summary of ENERGY STAR Version 3 and rationale behind the proposed changes to the ENERGY STAR certified homes specifications.
- ENERGY STAR Homes: The Road Ahead — Presentation on the evolution of ENERGY STAR for Homes and the value of the new guidelines. At this time, the streaming modules are unavailable. You can view the presentation in five PDF files:
- Technical background (PDF, 242KB) — Additional details about the rationale behind, benefits of, and estimated savings for ENERGY STAR Version 3.
- ENERGY STAR Version 3 Reference Design Definition (PDF, 288KB) — Compares the parameters of the Energy Rating Reference Home, rated homes, and the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home.
- Economic impacts (PDF, 340KB) — Estimates of representative incremental costs and savings for ENERGY STAR Version 3 and a comparison to incremental costs for the current guidelines.
- Notes from the EPA Q&A sessions (PDF, 280KB) — Notes from the Q&A sessions held to answer questions about the proposed ENERGY STAR Version 3 guidelines.
