Energy Star Certification
D.R. Nelson was one of the first nationally approved Energy Star Raters. We have rated more than 10,000 homes since the inception of the Energy Star for Homes pilot program in 1996. Energy Star certified new homes must meet guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are independently verified to be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
For more information on Energy Star for Homes, click here.
HERS Certification
The Home Energy Rating System Index, or HERS Index, was developed in 2006 by the Residential Energy Services Network. The HERS Index is a scale by which you can compare the energy efficiency of homes located in different climate zones. A home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home based on the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code rates 100 on the HERS Index. The more energy-efficient a home is, the lower the home’s HERS Rating will be.
For more information on HERS, click here.
LEED Certification
A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified home is designed to have a positive impact on energy efficient, environmental performance, and human well-being. It is designed and constructed in accordance with the rigorous guidelines set forth by the LEED for Homes green building certification program.
For more information on LEED for Homes, click here.
ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
In 2008, the International Code Council partnered with the National Association of Home Builders and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers to develop a nationally recognized standard in energy-efficient construction. This standard is the first residential green building standard to undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the American National Standards Institute.
For more information on the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, click here.