ENERGY STAR® for New Homes

In 2006, Home Builder’s Associations announced that ENERGY STAR has expanded to include energy-efficient new homes being built in Saskatchewan. New homebuilders in the province will now be able to register and begin building homes that are ENERGY STAR qualified.

ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are approximately 30 to 40 percent more energy efficient than those built to minimum building code standards, which will result in annual utility savings of approximately $800 to $1,000. Other benefits include added comfort, peace of mind, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into our environment.

SaskEnergy, on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, is offering an Energy Efficient Rebate for New Homes. The program provides incentives to Saskatchewan residents who purchase or build a newly constructed energy efficient home after April 1, 2007 that is either ENERGY STAR qualified, R-2000 certified or has an EnerGuide for New Homes rating of 80 or above.

The rebate program will help offset the cost premium that is often associated with purchasing an energy efficient home.

Homeowners have the potential to receive up to $2,400 in rebates. Rebates include:

• $1,000 for the purchase of a home that is ENERGY STAR qualified, R-2000 certified or has an EnerGuide for New Homes rating of 80 or above, plus
• $1,000 for the installation of a solar domestic hot water heating system,
• $150 for the installation of a drain water heat recovery system, and/or
• $100 for the installation of one qualifying natural gas appliance or $250 for two qualifying natural gas appliances. Qualifying natural gas appliances include clothes dryers, barbecues, cooktops, and ranges.

The benefits to the homeowner of building an energy efficient new home are:

• lower energy bills
• improved comfort
• government-backed quality assurance
• lower impact on the environment
• higher resale value

To apply for the Energy Efficient Rebate for New Homes, fill out a Rebate Application Form and submit to the SaskEnergy address indicated.

For more information on ENERGY STAR qualified or R-2000 certified new homes, please contact your local homebuilder or visit the Saskatchewan ENERGY STAR for New Homes website.

Homebuilders interested in becoming qualified or certified to build energy efficient housing should contact Resource Efficient Housing Incorporated (REHI) at 1-306-665-2525.