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Residential New Construction
BUYING OR BUILDING THE BEST HOME YOU CAN
Not all homes are created equally, and a new home is probably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. Construction quality is one key to a great home, but how do you really know that everything has been installed correctly? The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC, or “code(s)”) governs building, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, mechanical and energy regulations. These codes are updated every three years and are considered the minimum standard for home construction.
As code becomes more focused on home efficiency, building science has also evolved to help achieve code requirements. Part of that process involves a requirement to pull building permits and to have the home inspected by the township or private inspectors. Additionally, the industry has also evolved, and your home can now earn several different certifications for meeting more stringent requirements than what is required by code.
ENERGY STAR® and Zero Energy Ready Home (“ZERH”) are two certifications your home can earn. Receiving either of these certifications can give you confidence that your home has been built to perform better than others. These homes are inspected both during and after construction to ensure they are better, healthier, safer, more durable, and more efficient than other homes. Don’t settle for less, ask for the best and a high efficiency home.
There are over 2.5 million homes in the United States that have been built to high energy efficiency standards. While each year seems to increase steadily, only 9% of new homes constructed in the US in 2022 exceeded minimum code requirements. ENERGY STAR® and ZERH homes do just that, and there are incentives from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) Residential New Construction Program to help you cover a portion of the cost to do so.
INCENTIVES
New Jersey has a great incentive program to help builders achieve ENERGY STAR® and ZERH certifications. Additional details about incentives and requirements are available in the program guide.
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Rater Information:
If you are interested in becoming an approved rating company for the New Jersey Residential New Construction Program, click the button below to download an application:
The following document, dated 11/18/24, is intended to decrease any confusion that Raters may have about certain requirements necessary to receive the certificates. This addendum highlights areas of program inspection scheduling, results and reporting:
Builder Information:
If you are a builder and have questions about the New Jersey Residential New Construction Programs, click the button below:
Homeowner Information:
If you are a homeowner, please ask your builder about the New Jersey Residential New Construction Program. To find out more about the program, click the button below to download the program guide:
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT HOME EFFICIENCY?
Here is a list of videos that may be helpful to you as you learn more about ENERGY STAR® and high performance homes. NJCEP claims no responsibility for the content of these videos. They are here for educational purposes.
- For Builders; Green Home Institute – In-depth webinar reviewing Zero Energy Ready Homes and Green Homes
- Fine Home Building - The first episode in a video series focused on the theory, design, and construction of a Passive House project
- The Build Show – Matt Risinger reviews the finished Passive House shown in the previous video. This is a zero energy home that even produces electricity for their electric car.
- Net Zero Homes Webinar – A Behind the walls Tour
- Zero Homes: Why it’s easy to build one now! - A deep dive
- TechInsider explains Climate Change
- Rethink residential new construction – Flat back homes?
Online Training for Builders and Raters
For information about the Residential New Construction Program, call 866-NJSMART.
- Access the online portal (for Raters only)
- Learn how to participate in the program (participation documents)
- Learn how to work with qualified rating companies to design, build and certify residential new construction homes