Energy Efficiency Rating & Certification

Rate and certify building energy efficiency and green building standards

Startup Cost
$15,000-$75,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
8-15 months
Profit Potential
$8,000-$58,000/month

Overview

Energy raters generate $100,000-$700,000 annually with 75-90% margins.

In 2025, energy efficiency affects building value and compliance.

Revenue from HERS rating and testing ($400-$1,200 per home), energy audits and assessments ($300-$2,000), blower door and duct testing ($200-$800), LEED certification consulting ($5,000-$50,000), green building verification, and energy code compliance verification.

Successful raters have HERS or BPI certification, test building envelope and systems, use diagnostic equipment (blower door, infrared), verify energy code and green building compliance, and provide energy ratings and certifications.

Home builders, homeowners, and green building projects as clients.

Marketing through home builders, energy programs and utilities, HERS/BPI certifications, green building expertise, and energy efficiency focus.

Required Skills

  • Building Science
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • HERS or BPI Certification
  • Energy Codes
  • Green Building Standards

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Growing energy efficiency requirements
  • Energy programs and rebates drive demand
  • Green building certifications growing
  • Can work with new construction and retrofits
  • Help reduce building energy consumption

Cons

  • Need HERS or BPI certification
  • Diagnostic equipment investment
  • Tied to construction and housing markets
  • Energy programs and incentives change
  • Competition from energy auditors

How to Get Started

  1. Obtain HERS rater or BPI certification
  2. Invest in diagnostic testing equipment
  3. Learn energy codes and green building standards
  4. Market to builders and homeowners
  5. Conduct energy rating and diagnostic testing
  6. Verify energy code and green building compliance
  7. Provide HERS ratings and certifications

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