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Listed below are some frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please ask us using
our online contact form or call us at 303-325-7650.
contact form or call us at 303-325-7650.
The Home Energy Rating System (sometimes referred to as "HERS Rating") was developed by the Residential Energy Services Network ("RESNET"). The rating system was developed initially for the mortgage industry to quantify the energy savings associated with efficient buildings so that the industry could offer Energy Efficient Mortgages ("EEMs"). RESNET created a set of standards to provide a uniform and replicable measurement of energy efficiency that can be applied to any home, be it in Anchorage or Miami.
A Home Energy Rating is performed using RESNET approved modeling software, such as REM/Rate™, which compares the modeled house with a hypothetical reference house. The reference house is the "geometric twin" of the modeled house, but built to prescriptive compliance with the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (with 2004 amendments). The reference house is equal to a HERS Index of 100 and the HERS Index of the modeled house is derived by comparing the modeled house to the reference house. For example, if the energy consumption of the modeled house is 30% less than the reference house, the modeled house has a HERS Index of 70.
HERS is a "synergistic" system where one change can affect multiple systems and have many implications. For example, changing all of the lights from incandescent (where 90% of the energy used becomes heat) to fluorescent (where <30% of the energy used becomes heat) can mean a dramatic reduction in electric consumption, but also a minor increase in heating demand which might require a larger furnace.
A HERS Index score is considered an asset rating because it measures a building’s potential performance based on certain assumptions about the occupant’s energy usage. Keep in mind that home performance will vary depending on occupant behavior.
There are many benefits associated with having a HERS Rating performed on your project. Some of these benefits may include:
- Reduced energy costs and reduced carbon emissions associated with “High-Performance” homes
- Ability to optimize the energy efficiency of a home before construction
- More comfortable homes
- More durable homes
- Healthier homes (indoor air quality)
- Ability to perform cost/benefit analysis of upgrades or improvements
- Ability to participate in programs such as ENERGY STAR and LEED for Homes
- Introduction of construction/design alternatives before construction
- Green Points (City of Boulder)
- Potential resale value of efficient homes
- Preferable mortgage and refinance options
- Tax credits
- Utility incentives
- Verifiable quantification of green building practices
- Credibility
- Third-party verification
Populus estimates projects on a case-by-case basis, offering fixed fees for some services and hourly rates for consulting. The amount of time required to perform the initial from-plans HERS Rating depends on several factors such as the size of the home, the number of windows, the design complexity and the completeness of information included in the drawing sets. Contact Populus at 303-325-7650 and we will provide you with an estimate.
To determine the HERS Index score that your project will need to achieve under the City of Boulder’s Green Points program, visit the City of Boulder’s Green Points site at www.bouldergreenpoints.com. The energy efficiency requirements for new construction and remodels can be found in the most current Green Building and Green Points Guideline Booklet on the site.
In 2006, Boulder County Building Code IRC Chapter 11, “Boulder County BuildSmart,” was amended to include energy efficiency measures for new construction, additions and remodels. The revised BuildSmart code requires that residences achieve varying levels of energy efficiency based on the scope of the project and home square footage. The energy efficiency of residences is measured by a “HERS” Index Score.
What is a HERS Index Score?
The Home Energy Rating System (sometimes referred to as "HERS Rating") was developed by the Residential Energy Services Network ("RESNET"). The rating system was developed initially for the mortgage industry to quantify the energy savings associated with efficient buildings so that the industry could offer Energy Efficient Mortgages ("EEMs"). RESNET created a set of standards to provide a uniform and replicable measurement of energy efficiency that can be applied to any home, be it in Anchorage or Miami.A Home Energy Rating is performed using RESNET-approved modeling software, such as REM/Rate™, which compares the modeled house with a hypothetical “reference house.” The reference house is the "geometric twin" of the modeled house, but built to prescriptive compliance with the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (with 2004 amendments). The reference house is equal to a HERS Index of 100 and the HERS Index of the modeled house is derived by comparing the modeled house to the reference house. For example, if the energy consumption of the modeled house is 30% less than the reference house, the modeled house has a HERS Index of 70.
HERS is a "synergistic" system where one change can affect multiple systems and have many implications. For example, changing all of the lights from incandescent (where 90% of the energy used becomes heat) to fluorescent (where <30% of the energy used becomes heat) can mean a dramatic reduction in electric consumption, but also a minor increase in heating demand which might require a larger furnace.
A HERS Index score is considered an asset rating because it measures a building’s potential performance based on certain assumptions about the occupant’s energy usage. Keep in mind that home performance will vary depending on occupant behavior.What are Boulder County’s HERS Index Score Requirements Under BuildSmart?
Under the Boulder County BuildSmart code, all new construction must meet a prescribed HERS Index Score based on square footage. As home size increases, the required HERS Index Score decreases (requiring the home to be more energy efficient). Currently, for remodels or additions, BuildSmart requires a home energy audit (less comprehensive and less expensive than a HERS rating) or a HERS rating for additions/remodels, depending on the extent of the addition/remodel. Generally, when less of the home is being remodeled or the addition is small, only an energy audit is required. When more of a home is remodeled or the addition is over 500 square feet, a HERS rating is required.To determine the HERS Index score that your project will need to achieve under Boulder County’s BuildSmart program, visit Boulder County’s BuildSmart site at www.bouldercountybuildsmart.org. The most current energy efficiency requirements for new construction and remodels can be found under Revised Boulder County BuildSmart Program, Building Code Amendments to Chapter 11: Energy Efficiency.
How Does BuildSmart Integrate HERS Rating Into the Permitting Process?
When a HERS Rating is required for a building permit under BuildSmart, the applicant must submit a “from-plans” Home Energy Rating Certificate at permit application which demonstrates the project’s ability to ultimately meet the required HERS Index Score. In addition, permit applicants must submit a HERS Building File Report that outlines the specifications for the energy efficiency features of the home. During the construction process, the contractor works with the HERS rater to ensure that the home is built to the energy efficiency specifications provided in the “from-plans” rating.Prior to drywall installation, the HERS rater performs an insulation inspection. During the insulation inspection, the HERS rater verifies that the modeled insulation comports with the energy model (or updates the energy model to reflect the installed insulation) and grades the insulation installation quality (which is incorporated into the energy model). Additionally, if the home has ducts that run outside of the conditioned envelope, or the house is not sufficiently tight to be exempt from duct leakage testing under RESNET’s standards, then a pre-finish duct leakage test must also be performed during the insulation inspection. The HERS rater provides a letter to the contractor demonstrating that these inspections have been performed.
After construction is complete, the HERS rater performs a final inspection, which includes a blower-door test (to test air infiltration) and a duct leakage test (where ducts run outside conditioned envelope or house is too leaky to be exempt from duct leakage testing under RESNET’s standards). At final inspection, the HERS rater verifies and updates the energy model to reflect the installed energy efficiency features of the home (e.g. windows, heating equipment, ventilation, appliances, lighting, etc.). Following the final inspection, the HERS rater issues a final Home Energy Rating Certificate, which must be provided to the County to secure a certificate of occupancy.
Contact Populus at 303-325-7650 and we will walk you through the steps of the process.
Populus participates in Xcel Energy’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes program, which may provide rebates for homes with increased energy efficiency, with rebates corresponding to the final HERS Index Score. To participate in the program or to find out more, contact Populus at 303-325-7650. Please note that this program is subject to change at any time and that Populus has no control over changes to the program by Xcel Energy.
For Xcel gas customers in the City of Boulder and unincorporated Boulder County (you must have an Xcel gas meter at the completion of the project), the following rebates may be available based on square footage and HERS Index achieved. (*recent changes to this program exclude PV from the HERS Index Score - this can have a dramatic impact on your HERS Index)
HERS Index Score Up to 3,000 sf 3,001-5,000 sf 65-56 $350 55-46 $500 $350 In addition to any rebates that may be available to builders under the program, the Xcel Energy Star for New Homes program pays for additional services by Populus at each home. Xcel Energy pays Populus $160 for each home that meets the eligibility requirements and is successfully enrolled in the program and an additional $300 upon successful completion and final testing of the project. Populus allocates these funds to cover the cost of complying with the rebate program requirements, including an additional framing inspection (in addition to the HERS insulation and final inspections), infrared thermography, data collection and reporting and program administration.
You may also qualify for Federal Tax Credits, including the $2,000 Builders Tax Credit (this credit has not yet been extended beyond Dec. 31, 2009) for increased home performance and product-specific tax credits. To learn more visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.
Some utilities provide incentives and rebates for energy efficiency improvement measures. To learn more about Xcel Energy’s current energy efficiency rebates, go here.
In Boulder County, you may qualify to participate in the ClimateSmart Loan Program, which can provide unique financing for energy efficiency improvement measures. Learn more about the program here.
The Governor’s Energy Office in Colorado is an excellent source to discover grant, rebate and financing opportunities associated with increased energy efficiency. Visit the GEO here.
A complete listing of State and Federal Tax Credits and incentives can also be found, here.
USGBC’s new LEED credentialing system, visit www.gbci.org. To find information specific to the LEED AP Plus Homes exam, which is scheduled to be released in summer 2009, visit here. (http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=86).
Populus offers a LEED for Homes intensive training class that provides an in-depth look at the requirements of the LEED for Homes program and is an excellent starting point for studying for the LEED for Homes AP Plus exam.
Populus does not currently offer a LEED for Homes study guide for purchase. However, those attending the intensive LEED for Homes training will receive a course outline that will serve as a valuable study tool in preparing for the LEED for Homes AP Plus exam. To find out more about Populus LEED for Homes intensive training class, email training@popboulder.com.
The United States Green Building Council (the "USGBC") is a nonprofit, consensus-based organization representing the building industry on environmental building matters. Since the USGBC’s founding in 1993, the organization has played a vital leadership role in the building industry to promote green building. The USGBC is responsible for the development of the LEED Rating Systems.
