Canadian HERS Rating

HERS Energy Rater or Building Code Energy Modelers can model a building using the exact building components selected by the project team—whether high-performance windows, advanced HVAC systems, innovative wall assemblies, or other customized features. The building can achieve energy efficiency certification if the energy consumption of the proposed design meets or exceeds the energy consumption outlined in the prescriptive package noted in the local code, which is also reflected in the HERS Index as part of the Home Energy Rating System.

New Homes with energy efficiency certification, including options for Home Additions & Renovations, as well as low-rise and mid-rise residential buildings up to 10 storeys, can benefit from the Home Energy Rating System and the HERS Index.

Builders have the freedom to design cost-effective, innovative, or trade-off based solutions, while homeowners can select the products and systems they prefer, all while ensuring compliance with local codes. Code officials benefit from a standardized, nationally recognized method for verifying performance-based design. To facilitate this, CRESNET offers energy efficiency certification through projected energy ratings for the Performance Path for Code Compliance using REM/Rate software. By following the necessary steps, builders can achieve a Canadian HERS Index, also known as the Home Energy Rating System. Additionally, CRESNET provides a HERS H2O Rating and will soon introduce a HERS Carbon Index.

Better Quality of Life - Buildings with a HERS Index rating and low HERS Index Ratings are significantly more energy efficient than standard homes. This energy efficiency certification leads to increased comfort, more consistent indoor temperatures, improved air quality, lower utility bills, and a reduced environmental carbon footprint. 

Lower Operating Costs - When building a home, many people focus primarily on the mortgage but overlook ongoing operating expenses. Energy costs greatly affect a home's long-term affordability. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS Index) allows homeowners to understand a home's projected energy use before purchasing and helps them to build a home that will cost less to operate on a month-to-month basis. 

Informed Home Building Decisions - A HERS Index Rating provides homeowners with a clear, easy-to-understand measurement of energy efficiency, giving them more confidence that they are building a better-performing product with enhanced comfort and a wise use of money, both for the upfront cost and the reduced future monthly costs. 

Opportunities for Incentives and Rebates - Utilizing the HERS Index is another effective way to provide energy consumption comparison reports, enabling homeowners to apply for various incentive and rebate programs.

1. Contact either a Building Code Energy Modeller or a HERS Energy Rater. You can find suitable professionals by visiting CRESNET's Accredited members section and selecting a member located closest to you.

2. Provide the accredited member with a complete set of construction drawings. The accredited member will conduct a plan takeoff to evaluate the home's geometry and all associated openings.

3. The accredited member will identify a prescriptive compliance package designed to meet local codes and compare it against the proposed design of the building components and mechanical systems to ensure energy efficiency certification.

4. Analyze the energy consumption between the prescriptive compliance package, the reference building, and the proposed building design. This comparison can be performed using a single REM/Rate file, generating a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) report. If the project is in Ontario and the mechanical systems include fuel-fired heating appliances paired with standard air conditioning units, and if the wall-to-window ratio is less than 17%, one file suffices. However, if any parameters differ or if the building site is outside Ontario, two REM/Rate files must be created. One file will detail the reference building components and mechanical systems, while the other will specify the proposed building components and mechanical systems, both maintaining the same geometry. Note: in Ontario, the proposed design method is reflected on the Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) form submitted for the building permit.

5. The resulting REM/Rate reports will serve as verification that the design meets or exceeds the requirements of the applicable prescriptive compliance package of the local code. At this point, the energy consumption of the proposed building will be considered a Projected Rating for the future constructed home, which may also contribute to its HERS Index score under the Home Energy Rating System.

After the builder or homeowner receives the building permit, they may decide not to proceed further; however, without completing the remaining steps, the building will not qualify for a Canadian HERS Rating.

1. Contact either a Field Inspector or a HERS Energy Rater by visiting CRESNET's Accredited members section to select a member that is closest to you for your energy efficiency certification needs.  

2. Before the drywall is installed, reach out to a Field Inspector or a HERS Energy Rater to request an inspection at the build site. They will assess the insulation installation to ensure it meets the necessary standards for energy efficiency. This inspection will help identify areas that require improvement, contributing to optimal air tightness results. The tighter the home, the higher it will score on the HERS Index, which reflects its energy performance.  

Note: If the pre-drywall inspection is completed, the insulation grading can be assessed according to the inspection results. If the pre-drywall inspection is not completed, the insulation grading will remain at grade III.  

Note: A distinction for Canadian buildings compared to the RESNET process, as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RESNET, is that the duct blaster test has been waived.

1. Contact a HERS Energy Rater by visiting CRESNET's Accredited members section and choose a member located nearest to you to help with your energy efficiency certification.

2. Step 3 involves a blower door test, which depressurizes the building to assess the number of leaks or cracks in the building envelope. Fewer leaks and cracks indicate a more air-tight, energy-efficient building, contributing to a better HERS Index score.

3. A visual walkthrough of the build site is conducted to confirm that all intended building components and mechanical systems were properly installed. All onsite components and the results of the air test are documented in an inspection report.

4. The HERS Energy Rater will update the original REM/Rate file used for Performance Path Compliance in relation to the Home Energy Rating System for the project rating, incorporating the findings from the inspection report. The REM/Rate software will then generate a Canadian HERS Index Rating, which is a Confirmed Rating, and a HERS label can be printed for the builder or homeowner.