ENERGY STAR® for Builders

Trusted brand for energy efficiency

ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard helps builders to construct energy-efficient new homes cost effectively and using common building practices. An ENERGY STAR® certified home is on average 20% more energy-efficient than a typical new home. In addition to the Standard, the Tables for Calculating Effective Thermal Resistance of Opaque Assemblies document provides a method for calculating the effective thermal resistance of opaque assemblies. It is currently being used to demonstrate compliance with the prescriptive approach under the ENERGY STAR for New Homes (ESNH) Standard, and is also referenced in the National Building Code of Canada as a source for calculating additional assemblies and configurations.

Become a licensed ENERGY STAR for New Homes builder

You must have a builder licence with Natural Resources Canada in order to have your homes ENERGY STAR certified. Follow these steps to get your licence:

1. Contact a licensed service organization. 
2. Discuss training and licence requirements with the service organization.
3. Sign a builder licence with NRCan once these requirements are fulfilled.

All ENERGY STAR® certified homes must be built to the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard. Only builders who have been licensed by the Government of Canada can promote themselves as ENERGY STAR® builders and can apply to have their homes ENERGY STAR® certified.

The benefits of licensing

A proven sales and marketing tool - ENERGY STAR® is a trusted brand widely recognized by consumers.

Maximum flexibility - Two compliance paths offer maximum flexibility and ease of use so you can design and build in the way that works best for your company.

Government backed - As a participant you get authorized use of the government-backed ENERGY STAR® symbol and you are listed as an ENERGY STAR® participating builder on NRCan’s website.

Market recognition and customer satisfaction - The ENERGY STAR® initiative is a highly successful, voluntary industry-government collaboration that is transforming the way Canadians use energy at home.

Continual support and learning opportunities - You will have access to expertise in building science, training, and overall support and recognition as you build ENERGY STAR® certified homes.

The ENERGY STAR name and symbol are trademarks registered in Canada by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are administered and promoted by Natural Resources Canada.