Pearl Certification To Integrate New Zero-Emissions Building Definition Into Standards

Pearl Certification has announced its collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Biden administration, and other federal agencies to support the newly unveiled National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building. As a leader in energy-efficient home certification, Pearl aims to drive public interest in zero-emissions buildings by integrating this definition into its forthcoming certification standard.

The new definition characterises a zero-emissions building as highly energy-efficient, free of on-site emissions from energy use (all-electric), and powered solely by clean energy. Robin LeBaron, president and co-founder of Pearl Certification, expressed enthusiasm about working with the White House to promote this definition. "To advance decarbonisation and electrification, the White House has set ambitious criteria, and we will leverage the definition in our own zero-emissions standard within the Pearl Certification system," said LeBaron.

LeBaron highlighted that the new definition is practical and removes ambiguity about zero emissions. He also noted that it allows low-income homeowners to achieve zero-emissions status. Using this national definition, Pearl has already identified several zero-emission and ‘nearly zero’ homes within its network of over 200,000 certified homes.

Case Study: Charlottesville Home

One such home belongs to Scottie and April Chambers, young professionals in Charlottesville, Virginia. Their home, purchased from the Thomas Jefferson Community Land Trust and certified by Pearl, is all-electric. The addition of a solar photovoltaic system has brought them close to zero emissions. "Our home’s energy efficiency features and solar system keep our utility bills surprisingly low," said Chambers.

Future Plans

The Chambers family is considering switching to a clean power plan offered by their local utility company to ensure their energy is sourced from renewable resources. Pearl Certification documents the home’s energy-efficient and renewable systems so that buyers, agents, and appraisers can properly value it at the time of sale.

Educational Tools

Education and tools are essential in driving awareness of the benefits of a zero-emissions home. LeBaron mentioned that many homes are close to achieving zero emissions. With the Zero Emissions criteria incorporated into Pearl Certification Standards and access to educational tools like their homeowner app Green Door, more homeowners can achieve zero emissions.

Pearl Certification's Role

Pearl Certification aims to generate demand for energy-efficient homes by increasing their value. The organisation is the only national sponsor of the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program and partners with the National Association of REALTORS® Green Resource Council. Pearl has certified over 200,000 homes across 49 states and Washington, D.C., with certified homes selling for an average of 5% more than comparable homes.