HOME STAR Solutions Provided by PSD

Performance Systems Development (PSD), an Ithaca, NY-based building performance company, has launched a new website, greenenergycontractor.com. The site includes bundled training and software packages that provide opportunities for contractors to take advantage of the multi-billion dollar home energy federal stimulus package known as HOME STAR.

PSD’s leaders are part of the Home Star Coalition, specifically formed to further the goals of this legislation, and PSD’s cutting-edge software and certification training provide the tools for businesses to hit the ground running once the legislation is passed. HOME STAR, also known as “Cash for Caulkers", is a fast-acting stimulus program designed to boost demand for energy efficiency products and installation services. This short-term program will create an estimated 168,000 jobs in construction and skilled manufacturing to accomplish more than 3 million home retrofits. Consumers will benefit from low-cost loans, tax rebates, tax breaks, and immediate point-of-sale rebates. HOME STAR has the full support of the Obama administration and is now part of the Senate jobs bill.

Greg Thomas, President and CEO of Performance Systems Development (PSD), has been working in the nation’s capital alongside other industry leaders to help shape the legislation. "The nation owes a debt to the President for making energy efficiency a highly visible priority,” observes Thomas. “The home performance industry creates local jobs and healthy, comfortable houses. HOME STAR will supercharge our business and other similar businesses, by helping homeowners save money."

Businesses poised to take advantage of this quick infusion of federal funds will see significant business gains. By building on current state programs, HOME STAR will be implemented quickly, resulting in a high demand for certified contractors.

But there’s just one problem: There are currently not enough trained personnel with the proper tools to tackle the more complex pieces of HOME STAR. Top incentives, including the Gold Star incentives that provide homeowners with up to $8,000 of installation cost reduction, require certification and approved software, the same tools developed by PSD over the past ten years.

Performance Systems Development’s suite of innovative products forms a Home Star constellation that provides unparalleled accuracy and flexibility in building energy analysis, tracking, and modeling. TREAT (Targeted Retrofit Energy Analysis Tool), Compass, Building Analyst Training (Building Performance Institute certification), and BPI curriculum licensing for companies and educational institutions will help businesses perform HOME STAR energy retrofits with confidence.

TREAT, one of the larger stars in our constellation, builds a thorough model of a home's energy use, allowing you to predict energy savings accurately and confidently. “Our newest version of TREAT makes it easier than ever to communicate with customers through improved reporting features,” said Eric Woods, Vice President for Software Development. TREAT is unparalleled at modeling existing homes and has the best capability in the field for multi-unit housing. And the good news for contractors is that TREAT is pre-approved for HOME STAR applications.

Compass, PSD’s energy benchmarking tool, allows contractors to stand by their energy savings predictions - an important part of GOLD STAR retrofits, since rebates are given based on modeled energy savings. Compass analyzes building energy use patterns with a user-friendly online interface. Using building details and information from utility bills, Compass allows home performance specialists to accurately provide a comprehensive view of a home’s energy impact.

In an effort to protect the investment of homeowners and taxpayer dollars, HOME STAR requires that contractors performing specified improvements under the program be certified by BPI or have another accreditation approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Conrad Metcalfe, Vice President for Training, said “Our Building Analyst Training consists of a carefully crafted balance of classroom presentations, field exercises, and self-study materials culminating in Building Analyst (BA1) certification through the Building Performance Institute.” The Building Performance Institute is a national standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy efficiency retrofit work.

"HOME STAR has created a momentum for home energy efficiency improvements that the industry hasn’t seen in the past 30 years," said Thomas. "Position your business to capitalize on the unprecedented opportunities HOME STAR will create."

Visit PSD’s HOME STAR portal for product details and purchase information.