Greater Boston Green provides guidance through the complicated steps of various certification processes. Our accredited specialists can ensure home builders and architects stay in compliance with the many regulations concerning energy efficiency and sustainable building.
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How a HERS
Rating Works?
- Measure of efficiency
- Average HERS ratings:
- 100 for new house
- 135 for resale house
- Learn more...
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How Will a Low HERS Rating Benefit You?
- Lower energy bills
- Greater interior comfort
- Energy Incentives
- Increased resale value
- Learn more...
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How We Work as a Certified HERS Rater?
- Energy Modeling
- Mid-Point Inspection
- Final Inspection
- HERS certificate
- Learn more...
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The percentage of net income spent on energy by the average homeowner
has risen dramatically in the last 11 years, from 12 percent in 2001 to 21 percent in 2012. To
counter this wasteful and costly usage of energy, the State of Massachusetts enacted the
Stretch Energy Code in 2009 which is designed to achieve a minimum of 20 percent greater
efficiency in new home construction. It uses the Home Energy Rating System as its method of
calculation. The HERS energy efficiency rating, as it is commonly referred to, is the accepted
National Standard by which all building energy efficiency is rated.
A HERS rating is measured on a scale with the average new home being rated at 100 and the
average resale home being rated at 130. The lower the HERS rating is, the more efficient the
home. For example, if a new home has a HERS rating of 65 percent, it is 35 percent more
efficient than the average new home and 65 percent more efficient that the average resale
home.
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There are many benefits to securing a low HERS rating for your home.
- Lower energy bills
This is the obvious and greatest benefit. Who does not want to
use their hard earned income for better things like education, investments or even
vacations.
- Greater interior comfort
Being comfortable in your home, regardless of the weather
outside, is priceless.
- Energy Incentives
Rebates and tax credits are available with the use of Energy Star
products and installation of energy efficient systems.
- Increased resale value
A home with a low HERS rating is more attractive to buyers
and can command a higher market value compared to an inefficient resale home.
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If you are the builder, architect or homeowner, and you partner with us as your energy rating
consultant, we are with you every step of the way from conception to completion. We move
forward with three major phases to the project as described:
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Energy Modeling
We utilize the latest, state of the art, energy modeling software to evaluate your plans,
preliminary information and energy goals. After identifying any areas that may affect
energy code compliance, including incentive standards, we will discuss how to correct
these issues with you. A design plan will be provided to your building code official, as
required, to obtain a building permit. We may also suggest additional, or improved,
methods and products to reduce energy usage even further.
- Mid-Point Inspection
In compliance with the EPA and RESNET Standards, a thermal bypass and insulation
inspection will be performed on site. The thermal bypass evaluation may require
inspection prior to and after the installation of insulation. At this time we may also
suggest testing of the duct system if the HVAC contractor had not had positive results
from a previous test.
- Final Inspection
We follow up with a final inspection to perform a series of test including a blower door
test to measure air leakage and duct leakage. We also collect other pertinent data at
this time. All of the information is downloaded into the energy model to generate a final
HERS Index. A confirmed rating certificate is then provided.
To reinforce the value in energy efficient green building there is no need to sacrifice beauty for an energy efficient green home. Greater Boston Green collaborates as a team to ensure exceptional design can marry energy efficiency, comfort and a healthy home. We follow a collaborative approach with designers, architects, builders and their clients to ensure home performance by design, at commissioning and beyond.
We realize that the high cost of energy affects you as a consumer and also has a huge negative impact on the environment. Our team is driven by their desire to help you save money and to reduce the amount of pollution produced by the burning of fossil fuels. We will not consider a project complete until we realize your 100 percent satisfaction.
Greater Boston Green is an Energy Star Partner, Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified and RESNET HERS Rater for South Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Medford, Arlington, Quincy as well as the entire Greater Boston Area.
© 2013
