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A home envelope (or shell) is made up of the outer walls, ceiling, floors, windows, and doors of a house. Reducing air leaks into or out of the home and properly installing insulation are key elements to having a high performance envelope that provides an energy-efficient and comfortable home. ENERGY STAR promotes high performance envelopes through an approach called "Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR." ENERGY STAR also promotes high performance envelopes as part of the ENERGY STAR qualified new homes guidelines for builders and home raters. Insulation products play an important role in both areas.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines "home insulation" as "any material mainly used to slow down heat flow" (16 CFR Part 460.2). ENERGY STAR considers insulation to be products or materials that meet the FTC's definition of "home insulation" and are used to insulate a whole wall, ceiling, or floor. These products include, but are not limited to: fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, whole-wall spray foam, rigid foam board, cotton fiber batts, and foil radiant barrier products.

Insulation products can be qualified to earn the government's ENERGY STAR and use the mark if the manufacturer: (1) provides the documents and background information specified below; and (2) agrees to promote insulation as part of Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR, in accordance with ENERGY STAR logo use requirements PDF (281KB).

The following information must be provided for each product that the manufacturer wishes to be considered for the ENERGY STAR mark:

  • R-value lab test results (or emissivity results for radiant barrier products), as required by U.S. FTC "home insulation" regulations (16 CFR Part 460).
  • Consumer materials explaining what the product is, what it does, and documentation of claimed energy saving benefits.
  • Clear instructions for proper installation of the product to get the benefits promoted by the manufacturer.

If the provided information is found to meet ENERGY STAR requirements, a Partnership Agreement will be provided to the manufacturer.

NOTE: ENERGY STAR logos and marks may not be used on air sealing or air barrier products or product labels. However, manufacturers of products whose main purpose is to reduce air leaks or ensure that homes have a high performing air barrier may, with permission from ENERGY STAR, promote "Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR" in promotional materials (signs, displays, and ads). These products may include, but are not limited to: elastomeric caulks, spray foam in-a-can, weather stripping, air-tight door sweeps and gaskets, house wrap, and specialized sealing tapes.

For more information on becoming an insulation manufacturer partner or promoting Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR, contact Doug Anderson at anderson.doug@epa.gov.

Manufacturers can provide the specified information via one of the following:

U.S. Mail:
Doug Anderson
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 6202J
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC. 20460

FedEx or UPS: Doug Anderson
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1310 L Street, NW
Room 927N
Washington, D.C. 20005

E-mail:
anderson.doug@epa.gov

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