Introducing ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade: What, Why, and How

Early in 2022, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the national launch of the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade (ESHU), a set of high-impact home improvements designed to ensure every American home is energy-efficient and ready for the clean energy future. ESHU is a framework designed to reduce upfront program costs, simplify program design, and equitably increase uptake of residential retrofits. Complementary to traditional whole home upgrade approaches, ESHU provides the market with a credible package and resources to educate households about the value of an energy efficient upgrade. The interactive Home Upgrade web-tool helps consumers navigate the improvement process with buying guidance, financial incentives, and (yes) qualified contractors.  Since the launch, EPA has been working with many utility and retail partners and program stakeholders to promote ESHU across the country, grow the qualified contractor base to deliver these improvements, and provide support for partners and stakeholders marketing ESHU to consumers.  In this presentation, Co-presenters Dan Lawler and Doug Anderson from EPA will explain what ESHU is, why ESHU is important for your program or business, and how to join this effort to use ENERGY STAR in promoting these key improvements.