About EPS

The Energy Performance Score (EPS) is a home energy rating system similar to the miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating for automobiles. Co-developed by Earth Advantage Institute and Energy Trust of Oregon, the EPS provides an easy way to estimate actual home energy consumption, related carbon emissions, and utility costs. It also shows homeowners where they rank in energy use on a regional and national scale.

The EPS scorecard graphically illustrates a home’s energy score (based on total energy use) as well as its carbon footprint, and shows homeowners how their home compares to state averages and targets for homes. The EPS scorecard is paired with an EPS energy analysis report, which provides in-depth information on a home’s performance and provides upgrade recommendations, along with estimated costs and energy savings. The EPS can also be incorporated into real estate listings so prospective home buyers and the real estate financial community can use it to evaluate a home's operating costs.

EPS Label		Energy Trust of Oregon Sample EPS Label

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS in Action

The EPS is already in use on a voluntary basis for new homes in Oregon and for existing homes in a 5,000-home pilot program in Seattle and in a 1,200-home pilot in Bellingham, Washington. In October 2010 the U.S. Department of Energy provided $11.5M in funding to deploy EPS pilot programs in specific cities in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Alabama. The following programs currently use EPS solutions:

• Seattle City Light Home Energy Audit (Seattle, WA)
• Community Power Works (Seattle, WA)
• SustainableWorks (Washington)
• Community Energy Challenge (Bellingham, WA)
• Thurston Energy HomePlus Energy Evaluation (Thurston County, WA)
• RePower Kitsap (Kitsap County, WA)
• Snohomish PUD program (WA)
• Mass Save (Massachusetts)
• Richmond Region Energy Alliance (Richmond, VA)
• Community Alliance for Energy Efficiency (cafe2) (SW Virginia)
• WISE Program (Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama)