Technical Standards
Single Family Builder Option Package (BOP)
Multi-Family Builder Option Package (BOP)
Technical Compliance Options (TCO)
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Overview
The Northwest Builder Option Package (NW BOP) was developed by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support an ENERGY STAR Homes program. Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes are at least 15% more efficient than the Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington codes.   These technical standards apply to all four states in the Northwest and are support by utilities throughout the four state area.

Background
The EPA’s efficiency requirement for ENERGY STAR Homes nationally is currently  (2008) 15% better than the International Energy Conservation Code 2004(IECC).   Because codes in Oregon and Washington exceed the IECC 2004, NEEA negotiated a slightly higher standard for ENERGY STAR Homes in the Northwest.

In July 2008 the Oregon residential code improved energy efficiency standards by approximately 15%.  NEEA renegotiated with the EPA to develop a new prescriptive path specifically for the state of Oregon.

Technical Standards
A high efficiency Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that is performance tested is the key measure in the NW BOP. Combined with modest upgrades to windows, water heaters and a few other building components, performance tested systems and installations result in a cost-effective BOP that meets the 15% increase in efficiency (compared to the Oregon energy code) specified by the EPA.