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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.
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.
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 can provide substantial 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.
For Xcel gas customers in the City of Boulder and unincorporated Boulder County, the following rebates are available based on square footage and HERS Index achieved.
HERS Index Score Up to 3,000 sf 3,001-5,000 sf 5,001 sf and up 65-56 $350 55-46 $500 $350 45-36 $700 $500 35-26 $1,200 $700 $350 25-16 $2,000 $1,200 $500 15-06 $3,000 $2,000 $700 05-Net Zero $5,000 $3,000 $1,200 You may also qualify for Federal Tax Credits, including the Federal Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit of $2,000 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.