Energy Star Rebates & Energy Code Requirements
Foard Panels Help Qualify Homes for Energy Star Rebates
To determine if your project qualifies, call an energy rater near you:
Vermont: Efficiency Vermont, 1-888-921-5990
New Hampshire: GDS Associates, 603-656-0336
Maine: Horizon Residential Energy Services, 207-221-3221
Massachusetts: ICF International, 800-628-8413
Connecticut: Competitive Resources, 203-294-9677, ext. 115
New York: Building Performance Contract Association, Frazer Dougherty, 800-213-2922
PA, MD, DE, NJ: Comfort Home Program, 717-581- 8848
Rhode Island: Conservation Services Group, 888-887-8841
All other states: Find an energy rater at: www.natresnet.org
By building a new energy efficient home, you may qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). For more information Energy Star
Foard Panels Meet Code-Specified R-values
Building code requirements for R-values are based on center-of-cavity insulation values.
“Center-of-Cavity” refers to the R-value of pre-installed fiberglass-batt or cellulose insulation.
“Whole Surface” R-value measures the heat loss of an entire constructed wall system including insulation.
*Fiberglass systems typically perform at only 65 percent of the stated center-of-cavity R-value, due to the thermal bridging that occurs at each stud and other 2x lumber.
But Here’s the good news: *Foard Panels perform at 96% of their center of cavity R-value. That’s because there’s no thermal bridging with structural insulated panel construction. Therefore SIPs will ultimately
out-perform stick and infill systems. Building inspectors know the difference and will allow “whole surface” R-values of SIPs to be used in determining code requirements.
Take a look at the table below. The first yellow column shows the code-specified R-values that use center-of-cavity values. Next to it in yellow are the actual whole-surface R-values you get with fiberglass batt insulation and stick framing. In the blue columns are the whole-surface R-values of Foard Panel EPS and XPS panels in varying thicknesses.

(download the above Energy Star info as a pdf)
old content:
Foard Panels Commonly Exceed Energy Star Standards for Insulation
Take these steps to qualify for Energy Star Rebates
- Tell your builder you want your new home to be Energy Star qualified.
- Have the builder’s plans reviewed and, if necessary, revised by a Home Energy Rater in your state.
Ensure Your Home Qualifies,
Incorporate These Energy Savings Features
- Better insulation and reduced air leaks (Foard Panels will deliver these)
- Energy Star qualified heating and cooling system
- Sealed ducts that are all inside the home envelope
- Energy Star qualified windows appropriate for the climate zone
- Upgraded water-heating equipment
- Energy Star qualified appliances and lighting fixtures
Benefits of Building an Energy Star Home
- Lower utility bills which lower home ownership costs
- Improve comfort by ensuring consistent temperatures throughout the house
- Reduce drafts, moisture, pollution and noise
- Improve durability
- Reduce greenhouse gases (a home that uses less energy pollutes less)