DOE Publishes Voluntary Home Energy Performance Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Energy has published proposed voluntary guidelines for rating home energy performance. The guidelines were drafted by the Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Council for DOE and are designed to encourage uniformity among the various methods used to rate the energy efficiency of both new and existing residential buildings. They will benefit consumers by providing them with accurate information about the energy performance of homes they are considering purchasing, according to Christine Taylor, chair of the HERS Council. The guidelines will also help home buyers secure favorable terms on energy-efficient mortgages. For details, see the July 25, 1995

Federal Register. Written comments are being accepted on the draft guidelines until October 23, 1995.