Energy Star®
What are Energy Star® Qualified Homes?
Energy Star® qualified homes are approximately 30% to 40% more energy efficient than those built to minimum Ontario Building Code standards. The increase in energy efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners.
Typical energy efficiency measures for these new homes include:
- Insulation upgrades
- Higher performance windows
- Better draft-proofing
- More efficient heating, air conditioning and hot water systems
- Sealed ducts for better air distribution
- ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances (if builder installed)
How We Started
On March 20, 2006 East Gwillimbury Council passed a resolution to adopt a municipal policy directing all new residential developments requiring either Site Plan or Subdivision approval to construct to ENERGY STAR Òqualification.
On May 15, 2006 Mayor Young, Councillors Marlene Johnston, Cathy Morton, Virginia Hackson and Jack Hauseman were joined by Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer, Corey McBurney, Managing Director of Enerquality Corporation, Vince Santino, Minto Homes and Kathy DiSilvestro, Crystal Homes to officially announce the adoption of this policy.
From left to right: Mayor James Young, Councillor Marlene Johnston, Councillor Virginia Hackson, Peter Love, Councillor Cathy Morton, Councillor Jack Hauseman, Kathy DiSilvestro, Vince Santino, Andrew Pride
What are the benefits?
The benefits to a new home are:
- Lower energy bills
- Improved comfort
- Government backed quality assurance
- Lower impact on the environment
- Higher resale value
Is there any financial help?
Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) offers a 10% refund on its mortgage loan insurance premium when a borrower buys or builds an energy efficient home. To qualify for this refund, the home’s energy efficiency must meet certain minimum requirements. Visit CMHC’s web site at www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642 for more information.
What is the simplified administrative procedure?
- The builder signs an ENERGY STAR® agreement which permits the builder to utilize the ENERGY STAR® label on new homes.
- The builder chooses a building package and any optional trade-offs.
- Alternatively, the builder hires an ENERGY STAR® qualified inspector to develop a custom package using EnerGuide for New Homes (EGNH) software.
- Once the house is under construction, the builder hires an ENERGY STAR® qualified inspector to conduct on-site inspections and testing. As soon as compliance is verified, the inspector will issue an ENERGY STAR® label directly to the builder for the builder to affix on the home.
Who may I contact for further information?
If you are a home builder interested in becoming an ENERGY STAR® qualified builder, contact EnerQuality Corporation at 1-866-412-3065.
If you are a home buyer wanting to purchase an ENERGY STAR® labeled home, visit www.newhomes.gc.ca
The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE)
ENERGY STAR® for New Homes