E-Star and the Bottom Line

E-Star is a market-based mechanism for improving home energy efficiency. Energy ratings are marketed and purchased voluntarily. E-Star’s role is to spread the good news about how energy efficiency can be a wise financial decision, in addition to being an environmentally responsible one. E-Star staff knows how to turn the decision to improve a home’s energy efficiency into a financial advantage, and can provide the information and resources to make this a reality for its partners.

Builders. Energy-efficient construction translates into better building practices and market position, and a bigger pool of potential homebuyers. Ratings provide an objective measure of high quality construction.

Homeowners and Homebuyers. High energy-efficiency ratings allow qualification for an Energy Efficiency Mortgage (EEM) or Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM), because it indicates decreased home operating costs. Decreased utility use will be reflected in monthly bills, and will contribute to the nation’s wise use of energy resources.

Realtors and Lenders. The added value of an energy-efficient home expands the market of potential homebuyers or the loan amount that can be offered to a potential homebuyer or homeowner via EEM or EIM. This means getting more people into quality homes.

Utilities. Increased energy-efficiency in the residential market decreases load, which leads to decreased spot buying and avoids outages. Conservation efforts and demand-side management programs will play a larger role in the future of U.S. energy use.

Home Energy Raters. E-Star’s business partnerships and networking allow E-Star Raters to enjoy referrals and technical support as they provide a valuable service to the homeowner and community.

Code Officials. Adopting Home Energy Ratings as a method of energy code compliance can decrease inspection costs while addressing increasing pressure to implement energy codes.