Residential New Construction
Builders, architects, and qualified homeowner-builders can receive technical support and financial incentives when building new homes in Vermont.
Highlights
- Homeowners can work with Efficiency Excellence Network contractors or architects to build a comfortable, energy-efficient home
- Builders, developers, and architects can join the Efficiency Excellence Network’s Residential New Construction (RNC) Trade Group or Architect Trade Group to access exclusive incentives
- New program offers effective as of January 1, 2025
Building a Healthy & Energy-Efficient Home
Home is where the heart is. Building comfortable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient homes is important to homeowners and builders in Vermont. There are a few key things to consider when building a new home:
- Insulation and air sealing: Proper insulation and air sealing will keep your home comfortable year-round and reduce your energy costs.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation reduces moisture, pollutants, and allergens from your home's indoor air.
- Efficient mechanical systems: Installing efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as water heating, can significantly reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
- Lighting and appliances: Installing efficient lighting and appliances can help you save electricity and water.
For Homeowners
Efficiency Vermont can help you build the most energy-efficient, durable, and comfortable home that fits your budget.
Homeowners can participate in the Residential New Construction (RNC) program in 2 ways:
- Work with a builder or architect in the Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN) or have your builder or architect join the EEN. You'll get peace of mind that your contactor or architect is highly skilled and trained in energy efficiency best practices. You'll also have access through your builder to an array of incentives along with Efficiency Vermont's standard rebate offers to make your building project more affordable.
- Homeowners can qualify for builder-specific incentives if they meet the definition of a “homeowner-builder” described in the Residential Building Energy Standards.
For Builders and Architects
Efficiency Vermont’s Residential New Construction (RNC) program consists of technical services, Standard of Excellence Homes, and a variety of financial incentives for products and technologies that support builders and developers to build the most energy efficient, cost-effective, resilient, and healthy homes possible. Technical support can include review of building design and mechanical systems, materials and equipment selection, assistance with questions on Vermont energy code, and carbon modelling.
To participate in the program, join the Efficiency Excellence Network’s RNC Trade Group by filling out our Join the EEN form and selecting “Contractor — residential builder” or "Designer — architect or engineer"
To learn more about the benefits of the RNC program, the following resources are available:
Available Incentives
Builders and eligible homeowner-builders who enroll a standard residential new construction project can get access to incentives for the following:
- Drain water heat recovery
- Balanced ventilation
- Triple pane windows
- Low carbon (GWP) insulation
- HERS rater incentive
- All-electric incentive
- Efficiency Vermont 3.0 Standard of Excellence
All of these incentives can be combined. Talk with your Efficiency Vermont energy consultant or the Residential New Construction program manager for more details. Your energy consultant can also help you with paperwork including rebate forms, code questions, and code certificate submission. Building projects for income-qualified households are subject to separate incentives described below.
Income-Qualified Incentives
When enrolling a residential new construction project for a household that meets income-eligibility requirements, builders or qualified homeowner-builders can receive up to $7,000 for implementing a checklist of energy-efficient measures.
How to Participate as a Builder, Architect, or Homeowner-Builder
The Residential New Construction Program is available to members of the Efficiency Excellence Network's RNC and Architect Trade Groups. Homeowners can also participate in the program if they meet the definition of a “homeowner-builder” described in the Residential Building Energy Standards.
- Join the RNC Trade Group *builders only
The RNC Trade Group is part of the Efficiency Excellence Network. To join, fill out this form and select “Contractor — residential builder”.
- Join the Architect Trade Group *architects only
The Architect Trade Group is part of the Efficiency Excellence Network. To join, fill out this form and select “Designer — architect or engineer”.
- Enroll your project *builders, architects, and homeowner-builders
Once you’ve joined the RNC or Architect Trade Group or confirmed you qualify as a homeowner-builder, it’s time to enroll your new construction project in the Residential New Construction program.
To receive the best technical support and to lock in your rebates, Efficiency Vermont recommends enrolling your project as early as possible in the design process. After enrolling your project, you’ll get a call from your energy consultant to discuss the project.
Residential Building Energy Standards
New construction projects are required to follow Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES). You can learn more about code compliance by visiting our Energy Code Support page.