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What are ENERGY STAR qualified new homes?
In 2005, NRCan expanded the ENERGY STAR Initiative in Canada to include energy-efficient new homes. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are approximately 30 percent more energy efficient than those built to minimum building code standards. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners.

What's involved?
Typical energy efficiency measures for these new homes include

insulation upgrades

higher-performance windows

better draftproofing

more efficient heating, hot water and airconditioning systems

sealed ducts for better air distribution

ENERGY STAR qualified appliances (if supplied by the builder)
The benefits to the new homeowner are

lower energy bills

improved comfort

government-backed quality assurance

lower impact on the environment

higher resale value

How energy efficient is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
Builders or homeowners of ENERGY STAR qualified houses can also receive an energy rating label – the EnerGuide label – to compare and rate the energy consumption of the home.

To determine the home's energy rating (on a scale from 0 to 100), a trained energy advisor enters the house and conducts tests. Once this is complete, the energy advisor provides an EnerGuide label and a homeowner report that outline the home's level of energy efficiency.

Although most new houses receive a rating of 68 or higher, the average ENERGY STAR qualified home receives an energy rating of 77 or higher. Therefore, when you see the ENERGY STAR symbol on a new house, you know that it is an energy-efficient new home that would receive an excellent EnerGuide rating.

If you would like to obtain an energy rating on an ENERGY STAR qualified home, contact your service organization to find an energy evaluator in your area.

ENERGY STAR and the environment
Today, 17 percent of the energy consumed in Canada is used to run our homes. Every time we use energy from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, we produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home reduces GHG emissions by approximately three tonnes per year.