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First home completed to new December 2012 Energy Star standards

The announcement from Peter Braid, member of parliament for Kitchener–Waterloo, on behalf the Joe Oliver, Canada’s minister of natural resources, was made at a home–opening ceremony to recognize industry leaders who are working toward the challenge of meeting the increased efficiency requirements of the new standard.

“Our government is committed to new standards that promote energy efficiency, save Canadians money, create jobs and strengthen the economy,” said Braid. “Energy Star homes built to the 2012 Standard are on average 20% more energy-efficient than those built to code, helping homeowners save money and helping the environment.”

The new Energy Star standard further contributes to energy efficiency through features such as: minimum prescribed levels of insulation; having mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to maintain a healthy indoor environment; and achieving a minimum of 400 kilowatt-hours per year of electrical savings (beyond heating and hot water), which is met using Energy Star-qualified products like appliances and lighting.

Canadian homeowners can benefit from Energy Star-qualified features including efficient heating and cooling systems, high-performance Energy Star windows, and walls and ceilings insulated beyond what is required by the building code, added the government.

In order to earn the Energy Star label, homes must be built by a trained Energy Star builder and meet technical requirements for energy efficiency developed by the Canadian government. The homes are then verified by independent third-party energy advisors.

Currently, over 1000 builders are registered to build Energy Star homes, and over 34,000 Energy Star homes have been built since the initiative began in 2005, said the government.