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Achieving ENERGY STAR® Standards with ZIP System™ Building Enclosures: Benefits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

4 Min Read December 10, 2024

Signed into law in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act includes numerous incentives to promote clean energy and energy efficiency investments. Section 45L of this legislation offers builders the chance to qualify for tax credits for qualifying homes that adhere to specific ENERGY STAR requirements.

For further information on available tax credits and requirements visit ENERGY STAR’s website.

Key Requirements and Benefits of the Act

  • Qualifying homes must meet applicable ENERGY STAR program requirements, including reduced thermal bridging and water management
  • Applicable to both single-family and multifamily homes that qualify
  • Aligns with energy-efficient construction practice

ENERGY STAR® Certification: The Gold Seal of Energy Efficiency

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program that seeks to highlight energy-efficient products and buildings, helping homeowners and builders make the right choices when building high-performance homes. A building that is ENERGY STAR certified is constructed in accordance with a stringent set of requirements developed jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These structures undergo third-party inspection and testing to verify compliance with the program requirements. Buildings that are ENERGY STAR certified may benefit from lower energy costs, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Benefits for Homeowners may include:

  • Lower energy bills.
  • Higher resale value for their homes.
  • Higher energy efficiency for a more comfortable home.

Benefits for Builders may include:

  • Access to tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • First-time ZIP System product users may also be eligible for up to $5,100 in rebates from Huber Engineered Woods.[1]
ZIP System Building Enclosures

Requirements for ENERGY STAR® Certification

To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, homes must meet specific program requirements, including:

  • Reduced thermal bridging to minimize heat loss through walls and roofs.
  • Effective water management to prevent moisture-related issues.
  • Meeting air infiltration rate values to seal homes against drafts and leaks.

By meeting these criteria and the other program requirements, homes can earn ENERGY STAR certification, demonstrating their commitment to energy efficiency.

Click here for the full list of requirements.

How ZIP System™ Products Can Help You Meet ENERGY STAR® Standards

ZIP System products offer several features and benefits that can help builders effectively meet ENERGY STAR standards.

ZIP System® R-Sheathing

ZIP System R-sheathing integrates structural sheathing with thermal and water-resistive barrier functionalities. The built-in exterior insulation is one method of addressing the thermal bridging effects at above-grade walls separating conditioned from unconditioned spaces per ENERGY STAR program requirements in an efficient manner (streamlined installation process), which is appealing to many builders.

ZIP System R-sheathing Baczek Video

ZIP System® Wall Sheathing

ZIP System wall sheathing is also a great option. The ZIP System wall sheathing and flashing tape provides an easy way to install a water-resistive and air barrier system in your building envelope per ENERGY STAR water-managed wall assembly requirements. However, remember that using standard ZIP System wall sheathing for this purpose may require an additional insulation layer for compliance with ENERGY STAR thermal bridging requirements.

ZIP System® Roof Sheathing and Peel and Stick Underlayment

Builders can use ZIP System roof sheathing and tape as a component of complying with ENERGY STAR certification requirements. The tape ensures proper sealing at panel joints, enhancing the overall air performance of the building envelope.

ZIP System peel and stick underlayment supports ENERGY STAR standards by effectively sealing against water infiltration. By addressing moisture control ZIP System peel and stick underlayment can play a significant role in achieving ENERGY STAR certification for residential buildings.

ZIP System Building Enclosures help builders meet ENERGY STAR certification requirements for walls and roofs, which can help builders to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Remember to consider ZIP System products for meeting ENERGY STAR standards as the construction industry prioritizes energy efficiency.

[1] Limitations and restrictions apply. See https://www.huberwood.com/rebates/ziprebate for more details.

*No project-specific documentation from Huber Engineered Woods is required for ENERGY STAR certification purposes. Submit all of the required documents to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).*