Before we proclaim the beginning of the “Energy Efficient” Era, let’s take a second to consider what this means.

Energy Star for new homes was launched in 1995; therefore, for a program that has been around for 13 years, nationally, only 17% of new homes constructed in 2008 achieved Energy Star status. When taken into context of Energy Star’s longevity, that’s little over 1% per year.

Furthermore, the Energy Star certification is one of the easiest “Green” labels to achieve.  How will builders respond when the Energy Star criteria become, in the words of Sam Rashkin, national director of Energy Star for new homes, become “…much stricter, intentionally” in order to become “a bit of a stretch for builders.”?

Builders will not have to wait long to find out.

On January 1st of 2011, the EPA will roll out the new guidelines for the Energy Star rating for homes. I’ll be explaining those in an upcoming blog. These, coupled with the efficiency language and targets in the new cap-and-trade climate bill (the Waxman-Markey legislation),will change the residential construction industry.

Are you ready?