EnerGuide Rating System
As part of the EnerGuide* initiative, new home builders work with an energy advisor to develop energy efficiency upgrade packages that they can offer you before the construction of your house begins. After a house is completed, the energy advisor visits the home to verify that the energy efficiency upgrades were included as planned. Based on this verification, the homeowner is provided with an evaluation report and official label displaying the EnerGuide* rating of the home.
An EnerGuide* rating shows you, and future buyers, the energy consumption of your home when newly constructed. The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions so that you can compare the performance of one house to another.
The EnerGuide* rating system is also recognized as step one of two for a BUILT GREEN® certification, which takes a holistic approach to sustainable building.
How to Apply
Step 1 – REGISTRATION
The builder must first register with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by completing the EnerGuide* Rating System (ERS) Builder Registration Form.
This is a one-time process, with a renewed every two years and no fee required to register.
Step 2 – ENROLLMENT OF HOME
Each house enrolled in the program will be charged an enrollment fee and must have its own blower door test conducted in order to obtain the EnerGuide* label.
Registering as a builder with Natural Resources Canada is at no cost to the builder or homeowner. The cost to enroll the home is to cover CHBA BC’s administrative support and activity in finalizing the labelling process.
CLICK HERE to enroll a home – Be sure to select “Digital Home Enrollment” and no account is needed.
Step 3 -PLAN EVALUATION
The builder chooses an Energy Advisor (EA) in their area to perform the plan evaluations and fan testing. The Energy Advisors listed on our website are licensed and trained by CHBA BC to perform plan evaluations in BC.
The EA will work with the builder and recommends upgrades needed to reach the desired EnerGuide* rating and perform an onsite test of the home once construction is complete.
Step 4 – FINAL ENERGUIDE LABEL
The completed files with all required information are sent to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to register and approve the file results.
Once the home rating is approved by NRCan, CHBA BC will issue an EnerGuide* Rating System label and a homeowner’s report to the builder to provide to the homeowner.
The label should be prominently and permanently displayed as it is proof of the home’s high energy efficiency standard. This label is validated by the Government of Canada and shows the consumer that a trusted, independent expert from the EnerGuide* rating system initiative has evaluated the home for energy efficiency.
Enroll Homes Online
*EnerGuide is the official mark of Natural Resources Canada. The ENERGY STAR® mark is administered and promoted in Canada and is used with permission.