DOE CB Certification: Step-by-Step Application Guide

DOE CB Updates 2026 — What Professionals Need to Know

Summary

• DOE Efficient New Homes (ENH) program updates: New versions and revisions (Single‑Family v2 Rev.3; Multifamily v2 Rev.2) took effect for permit dates on/after Jan 1, 2026. Training and passing associated quizzes on the RESNET training portal are required for HERS raters, RFIs, and HERS modelers to submit certifications after Feb 17, 2026.
• Software approvals and effective dates: DOE published approved software lists (e.g., Ekotrope versions) and specified which program versions each software release may be used with; verify software version compatibility before certification.
• ENERGY STAR/New Construction alignment: ENERGY STAR MFNC revision removes townhouses from MFNC eligibility for permits on/after Jan 1, 2026; townhouses must follow Single‑Family New Homes requirements.
• State code and ECPA deadlines: DOE set state certification deadlines tied to recent code determinations (e.g., ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1‑2022 commercial deadline March 6, 2026; residential IECC‑2024 deadline Dec 30, 2026). States must submit certifications or request extensions.
• Rulemakings & program rescissions: DOE issued proposed rules in 2025–2026 proposing rescissions/amendments across various programs (reporting, incentives, test procedures); professionals should monitor Federal Register notices and comment deadlines.
• Operational orders and emergency actions: DOE issued multiple 202© emergency orders in Jan 2026 affecting generation dispatch and permit exceptions; keep an eye on region‑specific reliability orders that could affect project operations.

Actions for Professionals

1. Training & certification: Enroll required staff in ENH v2 and multifamily update trainings on RESNET and complete quizzes before Feb 17, 2026.
2. Update workflows: Ensure software tools used for modeling/certification are DOE‑approved versions for the target ENH/ENERGY STAR program version.
3. Project intake rules: For permits dated Jan 1, 2026 or later, apply the new ENH/ENERGY STAR versioning and eligibility (e.g., townhouse classification).
4. Monitor rulemaking: Subscribe to DOE Federal Register notices for proposed rule rescissions/amendments and submit comments where impacts exist.
5. Coordinate with states: Confirm your state’s energy code certification status and upcoming compliance requirements tied to ECPA deadlines.
6. Watch emergency orders: Track DOE 202© orders in your service areas that might temporarily change operating or permitting constraints.

Where to Monitor (official sources)

• U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov) — ENH program, Federal Register rule notices, 202© orders
• RESNET (resnet.us) — ENH & ENERGY STAR training, submission guidance
• EnergyCodes.gov — state certification status and deadlines

If you want, I can:

• Create a short checklist tailored to builders, raters, or software vendors; or
• Draft a short email/update you can send to your team summarizing required actions.