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Zeroing-in On Net-Zero Energy Homes

  Let’s understand that there is not a single, universally agreed upon definition of Net Zero Energy Buildings; as the zero-energy enigma lingers, the terms Zero Energy Building (ZEB) and Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) can be used interchangeably. The goal is to achieve an end result of zero energy. The Department of Energy (DOE) defines…

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2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award

BER Earns 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award Building Efficiency Resources (BER) is proud to announce that it has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.   Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses…

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2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award

BER Earns 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award Building Efficiency Resources (BER) is proud to announce that it has received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.     Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of…

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How to become a LEED Green Rater, and Why You Should!

Illustration showing the concept of energy efficient and environment friendly home.

Just like you, BER is in the building performance industry, innovating, leading, and demanding better, for the benefit of our planet and all beings that inhabit it. We are working together to create a healthier planet that not only supports us but allows us to thrive. LEED, a green building rating system created by U.S.…

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3.1 Homes/1.1 MFNC Transition Update

Birds eye view of a new home under construction which shows walls filled with energy efficient foam insulation.

The EPA is continuing to review and evaluate comments received on the proposed Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) National Version 3.2 and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) National Version 1.2 program requirements, as well as the proposed new Next Generation program. However, in the interest of providing partners with the maximum amount of time to prepare for the…

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3 Pathways to ENERGY STAR MFNC

A multi-level apartment building under construction.

We know the 3 pathways to ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction can be confusing, so as the Pro’s Pro, we are breaking it down. The BER Knowledge Base, accessible through the BER Portal, has more information on the 3 pathways. You can also check out this guide provided by ENERGY STAR. Work with BER as…

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The Importance of Right-Sizing HVAC Equipment

Imagine spending your first summer in a newly built, super-efficient, lakeside dream-house and found out that it was unable to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. That is exactly what happened with one house in the northern Midwest that BER happened to be performing a field quality assurance review on!  The owners spared no expense on…

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BER Recognized as EPA Multifamily Review Organization

BER is proud to announce that we have been recognized by the EPA as a Multifamily Review Organization (MRO)!  We are one of only four organizations nationwide holding this designation. An MRO is a third-party organization recognized by the EPA to provide oversight for multifamily projects pursuing certification under the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High-Rise program…

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BER Announces LEED for Homes Provider Accreditation!

BER is proud to announce that we are now a USGBC accredited LEED for Homes (LFH) Provider! As part of our commitment to providing industry-leading services, support and education, this newly added accreditation will aid us in furthering our mission by bringing both Provider categories under one roof. This will allow BER to offer streamlined…

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