1. "This project will be an ENERGY STAR Qualified project." Determine that your project will be an ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Project, communicate this to everyone who is or may be involved in the project. Set firm and realistic project team goals. Ask all team members to read through the ENERGY STAR Standard.
   
   
2. Interview and choose a HERs Rater. To learn more about HERS ratings, click here.
   
   
3. If possible, have a pre-bid meeting with all contractors who may work on the project. Clearly state your project goals, and state that no bids will be accepted that do not meet the standards and requirements put forth. Incorporate the following language into your RFPs or procurement process for housing: "All new and gut rehab residential buildings up to three stories shall be designed to meet the standard for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes. All procedures used for this rating shall comply with National Home Energy Rating System guidelines."¹
   
   
4. Evaluate Design Team Candidates. One of the factors to be considered when picking your team should be their willingness to work on an ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes project. Eager professionals are always better to work with in the long run than resistant professionals. Problems with willingness to do the work required to meet ENERGY STAR standards (often not more than paying attention to detail) can cost a project time and money.
   
   
5. Be an ACTIVE project manager. Check in with HERs rater and design team, make suggestions, ask questions, ask for help if you need it, get educated! This sends the message that you are on top of progress towards meeting the standard.

¹ From HUD Presentation.

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