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EPA/RESNET Agreement on BOPs

August 15, 2003

1. This agreement does not apply to ENERGY STAR compliance evaluations of manufactured housing. EPA is developing a separate evaluation procedure for that product.
    
2. EPA endeavors to make BOPs available for use in all climate zones. All BOPs will be designed to ensure a minimum 86.0 HERS® score for applicable homes in a "worst-case" configuration.
    
3. Individuals, companies, and organizations that wish to verify homes as ENERGY STAR via a BOP process must demonstrate its QA/QC process and training practices through one of the following procedures.
    
   1. Any of these groups may apply for accreditation as BOP providers via an established HERS accreditation program such as RESNET Any such application to these organizations requesting approval shall be reviewed expeditiously.
       
   2. In a state that has a nationally accredited rating program that is serving as a BOP provider, potential BOP inspectors may also seek to become certified inspectors working under the auspices of the accredited BOP provider, i.e. functioning in a role equivalent to the current rater-rating provider structure.
       
4. EPA may recognize "equivalent programs" that are accredited by RESNET or another independent third-party accredited body recognized by EPA and include third-party (i.e. not the builder) inspections comparable to the RESNET rating or BOP provider accreditation standards.
    
   1. Programs designated equivalent by EPA must be accredited by RESNET, another independent national accrediting body,
       
      1. The national body must have an accreditation standard comparable to RESNET.
          
      2. The BOP provider accreditation body makes its recommendation to the program manager of the EPA ENERGY STAR Homes Program. The final  recognition of the BOP provider is made by EPA.
          
      3. EPA has the ability to grant a provisional recognition for an equivalent BOP for a period of 90 days during the accreditation application process as well as ongoing accreditation per ii above.
          
      4. Further, equivalent programs must be free of a direct product-related financial interest for the sponsor. For example, a program sponsored by an insulation manufacturer would have to be accredited.
          
   2. EPA will encourage these organizations to apply for certification and/or accreditation as BOP inspectors or providers as appropriate.
       
5. EPA is free to develop and distribute additional BOPs as it sees fit. EPA will make any additional BOPs available to the rating community. Implementation of these BOPs will be governed by the provisions of this agreement.