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 operating 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.
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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 – Builder Enrollment: Complete and submit a Builder Partnership Agreement

Download Builder Partnership Agreement

Idaho Power Territory Builder Partnership Agreement
Idaho Power W-9 Form (Required)

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.
  • Provides a list of utility partners offering incentives on verification services and HVAC performance testing, training and equipment.

Step 2 – Building Performance Specialist (Verifier) & HVAC Contractor Enlistment
Secure the services of an approved Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Building Performance Specialist.

The Building Performance Specialist (or BPS, also known as HPS or verifier in some markets) guides you through the ENERGY STAR Home building process. The BPS reviews the building components and compliance requirements and submits all information to the State Certification Organization for ENERGY STAR certification. The BPS charges a fee that includes verification services and ENERGY STAR certification.

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

Click here for a list of trained and certified BPS in your area.
Click here to find certified Performance Testing technicians in your area.

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 Building Performance Specialist, will help you in the planning stages, and provide ongoing information on correct methods of installation and building practices. They will ensure that 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 BPS can review the building components and confirm compliance.

At a minimum, the BPS 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.

Performance Tester (PT) Enrollment Process

To find out how to become a Certified Performance Tester of ENERGY STAR homes, click here to visit the Technical Information > Become a Performance Tester section of the website.

Building Performance Specialist (BPS) Enrollment Process

To find out how to become a Building Performance Specialist (BPS/HPS/Verifier), click here to visit the Technical Information > Become a BPS section of the website.
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