The Northwest ENERGY STAR® Homes program encourages the construction of homes to ENERGY STAR standards specifically designed for the Northwest. The Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program is a four-state regional program in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The program provides the following services to support local builders, utilities and trade contractors:

• Marketing support for builders, Building Performance Specialists and utilities
• Technical support and training for builders, Builder Performance Specialists and performance technicians
• Consumer outreach to promote the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified homes

The ENERGY STAR Homes program is designed to help builders build and market better homes through a combination of technical support and regional marketing plans. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop a thriving market of homes that use less energy, thus are better for the environment.

Visit the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes website for more regional program information.

Builder Enrollment Process

To become an ENERGY STAR qualified builder and participate in the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program, follow these five steps:

Step 1 – Home Performance Specialist (Verifier) & HVAC Contractor Enlistment

Secure the services of an approved Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Home Performance Specialist.

The Home Performance Specialist (HPS) guides you through the ENERGY STAR Home building process. The HPS reviews the building components and compliance requirements and submits all information to the State Certification Organization for ENERGY STAR certification. The HPS charges a fee that includes verification services and ENERGY STAR certification.

Your HPS can help you select an HVAC company with certified PT technicians or coordinate training to have your HVAC company certified.

• Home Performance Specialists and Raters

Step 2 – Builder Enrollment

Complete and submit the forms below to receive the Idaho Power Builder Incentive.

NOTE: All three forms are required to receive the Idaho Power Builder Incentive.

• Northwest ENERGY STAR Builder Partnership Agreement
• Idaho Power Builder Partnership Agreement
• Idaho Power W-9 Form

Signing the agreement:

• Guarantees free listing as a partner on both the national and regional ENERGY STAR websites.
• Makes your company eligible to participate in cooperative advertising campaigns. Gives your company access to marketing tools and support.

Step 3 – Construction Process

Build the home to Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Certification Requirements.

The Northwest Builder Option Package (NW BOP), outlines these requirements. Your Home Performance Specialist will help you in the planning stages and provide ongoing information on correct methods of installation and building practices. They will ensure complete performance testing of the HVAC system takes place, including heating, cooling and duct systems, by a Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes approved technician.

Step 4 – Verification

Arrange site access so the HPS can review the building components and confirm compliance. At a minimum, the HPS will need to:

• Visually inspect the home and review any local energy code compliance documentation available
• Verify relevant component and equipment specifications (windows, HVAC, water heating, etc.)
• Verify that the HVAC system was installed and performance tested according to ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest standards

Step 5 – Certification

You will receive a Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes certificate within two weeks of final verification.

Certification fees are generally included with any verification fees you may pay.