EERE 1910-5184 Supporting Statement part A Final

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Supporting Statement for Programs for Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

1. Part A: Justification

OMB No. 1910-5184

April 2024

U.S. Department of Energy

Washington, DC 20585

Table of Contents

Part A: Justification i

Introduction 2

A.1. Legal Justification 4

A.2. Needs and Uses of Data 4

A.3. Use of Technology 16

A.4. Efforts to Identify Duplication 17

A.5. Provisions for Reducing Burden on Small Businesses 17

A.6. Consequences of Less-Frequent Reporting 18

A.7. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.5 21

A.8. Summary of Consultations Outside of the Agency 22

A.9. Payments or Gifts to Respondents 23

A.10. Provisions for Protection of Information 23

A.11. Justification for Sensitive Questions 24

A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours 24

A.12B. Estimate of Annual Cost to Respondent for Burden Hours 30

A.13. Other Estimated Annual Cost to Respondents 31

A.14. Annual Cost to the Federal Government 31

A.15. Reasons for Changes in Burden 34

A.16. Collection, Tabulation, and Publication Plans 35

A.17. OMB Number and Expiration Date 36

A.18. Certification Statement 36

Introduction

Provide a brief introduction of the Information Collection Request. Include the purpose of this collection, note the publication of the 60-Day Federal Register Notice, and provide the list of forms within this collection.

This supporting statement provides information regarding the Department of Energy (DOE) request for processing of the proposed information collection, “Programs for Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings.” This Information Collection Request (ICR) is not rule related. This ICR is a reinstatement, OMB Control 1910-5184. All participation in the programs is voluntary.

The Department published a 60-day Federal Register Notice and request for comment on April 20, 2023 (volume 88, number 76, page 24395). The notice described the collection and invited interested parties to submit comments or recommendations regarding the collection. No comments were received.

This ICR includes the following DOE programs:

• Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH);

• Home Energy Score (HEScore);

• Better Buildings Residential Network (BBRN); and

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES)

The collection instruments for each program are described below. The Zero Energy Ready Home program has the collection instruments listed below.

Form Name	DOE Form number
Partner Agreement Form	DOE HQ F 413.4
VERIFIER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
INNOVATION PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
ARCHITECT / DESIGNER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
BUILDER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
LENDER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
MANUFACTURED HOME PLANT PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary	DOE HQ F 413.5 (not a DOE form)
Housing Innovation Award Application	DOE HQ F 413.7
PV-Ready Checklist	DOE HQ F 413.12 (replacement form)

The Home Energy Score program has the collection instruments listed below.

Form Name	DOE Form number
Partnership Agreement	DOE HQ F 413.26
Implementation Plan Template	DOE HQ 413.24
Home Energy Score Remote Service Provider Implementation Plan v2019	DOE HQ F 413.40
New Candidate Enrollment Form (v.2019) OMB	DOE HQ F 413.27 (replacement form)
Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form	DOE HQ F 413.25
Home Energy Score Data Entry Guidelines	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.25
Home Improvement Expert Partner Agreement	DOE HQ F 413.39
Home Improvement Expert Quarterly Reporting Form	DOE HQ F 413.41

The Better Buildings Residential Network has the collection instruments listed below.

Form Name	DOE Form number
Membership Form	DOE HQ F 413.16
Annual Progress Form	DOE HQ F 413.18

The Home Performance with Energy Star Program has the collection instruments listed below.

Form Name	DOE Form number
Partnership Agreement	EPA Form No. 5900-33
Implementation Plan Template	DOE HQ F 413.29
HpwES Sponsor Biannual Report Template	DOE HQ F 413.30
HpwES Sponsor Annual Report Template	DOE HQ F 413.31
Partner of the Year Application: Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Template	DOE HQ F 413.32
Partner of the Year Application: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Template	DOE HQ F 413.34

A.1. Legal Justification

Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the information collection.

The Department of Energy Organization Act, P.L. 95-91 of August 17, 1977, authorizes DOE to create a coordinated national energy program. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, Sec 911, also authorizes DOE to conduct programs to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. The DOE Building Technologies Office develops and implements programs that encourage and assist organizations that voluntarily participate in them to build and renovate new and existing buildings to use less energy. The DOE programs that are part of this ICR include the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, the Better Buildings Residential Network, the Home Energy Score (HEScore), and the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program (HPwES). The information gathered by DOE in these programs is necessary for DOE to run each of these programs effectively.

DOE is collecting information from partners to understand the activities of organizations participating in these voluntary programs.

A.2. Needs and Uses of Data

Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection

The Building Technologies Office’s overarching long-term goal is to support rapid decarbonization of the U.S. building stock in line with economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050 while centering equity and benefits to communities. To achieve this goal, BTO aims to (1) reduce onsite energy use intensity in buildings 30% by 2035 and 45% by 2050, compared to 2005; (2) reduce onsite fossil-based CO2 emissions in buildings 25% by 2035 and 75% by 2050, compared to 2005; and (3) Increase building demand flexibility potential three-fold by 2050, compared to 2020, to enable a net-zero grid, reduce grid edge infrastructure costs, and improve resilience The programs included in this ICR are designed to help achieve BTO’s goal of reducing energy use in buildings.

DOE, with support from authorized contractors, will collect information from program partners to better understand the participating partners’ activities and progress toward achieving milestones and objectives. This will allow DOE to make better decisions about the best way to run the programs, improve outreach to make the programs more widely known, and better respond to partners’ needs.

The programs for improving the energy efficiency of buildings are administered by the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Most of the work described in the ICR pertains to residential buildings. Some activities may also involve commercial buildings, as activity by participating partners may involve residential and commercial buildings.

DOE is limiting the information collection to what is necessary to run the programs. The information collection instruments that DOE will use, including relevant forms and web page screenshots, are attached to this Information Collection Request.

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM

The Zero Energy Ready Home program is a voluntary labeling and recognition program for new homes that encourages home builders to build homes that are so efficient that their energy consumption can be offset by renewable energy systems.

The organizations and individuals who decide to participate in the Zero Energy Ready Home program are home owners, home builders, home builder trades and associations, home design professionals, students in architecture and related building construction industries, home energy raters, home energy auditors, home inspectors, building consultants, manufacturers of building products, professional trainers, utility companies, home building and manufacturing industry associations, consumer and home building industry advocacy organizations, and financial institutions.

The Zero Energy Ready Home program will collect information using the collection instruments and activities listed below through the Zero Energy Ready Home web site. Some are required for full participation in the program while others are optional.

The Zero Energy Ready Home program has the collection instruments listed below.

File name (Adobe PDF format)	Form Name	DOE Form number
registration1	Partner Agreement Form	DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Verifier Partner Agreement.pdf	VERIFIER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Innovation Partner Agreement.pdf	INNOVATION PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Architect Designer Partner Agreement.pdf	ARCHITECT / DESIGNER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Builder Partner Agreement.pdf	BUILDER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Lender Partner Agreement.pdf	LENDER PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
Instructional Form ZERH Manufactured Home Plant Partner Agreement.pdf	MANUFACTURED HOME PLANT PARTNER AGREEMENT	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4
DOE ZERH Verification Summary 2023 Updated.docx	DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary	DOE HQ F 413.5 (not a DOE form)
HIA Application 2023 Updated.pdf	Housing Innovation Award Application	DOE HQ F 413.7
PV-Ready ZERH Checklists	PV-Ready Checklist	DOE HQ F 413.12 (replacement form)

Partner Agreement Form (DOE HQ F 413.4)

Organizations can join the Zero Energy Ready Home by registering on-line using form DOE HQ F 413.4. Registering is done by submitting basic contact information, reading the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements, and by reading and agreeing to one of the partner agreements depending on the type of partner. The Agreements explain the requirements of the program for the respective partner types. The information that is collected through the registration form is needed for DOE to be able to communicate with the partners and to categorize partners so DOE can target outreach, appropriately assist partners, and analyze participation.

DOE estimates that 450 partners will join each year among five different kinds of partners: Builders (300), Raters/verifiers (100), Innovation Partners (15), Architects and Designers (30), Manufactured Home Plants (3) and Lenders (2). Exhibit 1 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours shows these numbers and the burden calculations.

Verifier Partner Agreement & Innovation Partner Agreement (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4)

The six page form (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4) explains the reporting requirements of the program for partners who verify homes to meet the ZERH program requirements. This form also includes reporting requirements of the program for partners who are particularly interested in educating consumers about the benefits of zero energy ready homes.

Architect/Designer Partner Agreement (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4)

The six page form (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4) explains that partners accepting this agreement are expected to design homes to meet the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements.

Builder Partner Agreement (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4)

The six page form (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4) explains that partners accepting this agreement are expected to construct and certify homes to meet the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements.

Lender Partner Agreement (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4)

The six page form (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4) explains that partners accepting this agreement are expected to facilitate green mortgage appraisals to certified homes under the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program.

Manufactured Home Plant Partner Agreement (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4)

The six page form (Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.4) explains that partners accepting this agreement are expected to certify their plant to produce manufactured homes that will be certified DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Manufactured Homes

Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary (DOE HQ F 413.5)

Home builders and home raters commonly conduct detailed analyses of homes as part of a home energy rating. This analysis is separate from, and not a requirement of, the Zero Energy Ready Home program. However, the results of the rating can be used to certify a home as a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home. Many other voluntary publicly and privately-run home certification programs use this same rating system. When they complete the analyses their computer software automatically generates the Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary, which is automatically reported to DOE through a database download sent to DOE by Home Certification Organizations (HCOs), the home rater’s oversight organization. This information is the large majority of information collection responses for the Zero Energy Ready Home program. DOE will use it to evaluate, modify, and publicize the program. DOE needs the data from every home to ensure partners are meeting the requirements and to analyze program achievements, including energy savings and energy cost savings.

DOE estimates that 5000 reports per year will be sent to DOE as shown in Exhibit 1 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Housing Innovation Award Application (DOE HQ F 413.7).

Home builders and energy raters who compete for the Housing Innovation Award complete the Housing Innovation Award Application on-line (DOE HQ F 413.7). The annual award program provides publicity for the winners and for the program. Winners will receive recognition at the Housing Innovation Awards Ceremony and their accomplishments will be featured in:

• The U.S. Department of Energy website;

• National conferences visited by hundreds of stakeholders;

• National press and journal articles; and

• Workshops and webinars.

DOE estimates that 40 organizations per year will participate and the burden calculation is shown in Exhibit 1 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

PV-Ready Checklist (DOE HQ F 413.12)

The Photovoltaic (PV)-Ready Checklist (DOE HQ F 413.12) is required for homes participating in the program. These checklists ensure that a home is built ready for photovoltaic or solar hot water systems should a homeowner wish to install these technologies in the future. The actual checklists are not collected by DOE but a copy of the checklist must be provided to the home owner. Because DOE does not collect the actual completed checklist, no time is allotted for DOE review.

DOE estimates that organizations will complete the checklist 5000 times per year and the burden calculation is shown in Exhibit 1 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

HOME ENERGY SCORE

The Home Energy Score (HEScore) allows homeowners to compare the energy performance of their homes to other homes nationwide and provides homeowners with cost-effective recommendations for improving their homes' efficiency. It is similar to a vehicle's mile-per-gallon rating. Homebuyers can use the Score to compare the efficiency of different homes, get an estimate of how much utility bills are likely to run in a specific house, and be advised of home improvements that can improve their score.

DOE partners with state and local governments, utilities, and non-profit organizations across the country to make the Home Energy Score widely available to homeowners. Home Energy Score partners work closely with Assessors who have met prerequisite professional credential requirements and have passed a free DOE test on the HE Score to implement local programs. In addition, consumers can also access guidance on how to ensure quality energy efficiency improvements through Home Improvement Expert (HIE) branded materials. Organizations are invited to HIE partners to show consumers that they follow best practices when installing and commissioning energy efficiency upgrades. While anyone can access the HIE content online, HIE partners can co-brand the best practices materials applicable HEScore recommended efficiency improvements. Organizations that use the HEScore program and HIE content together provide consumers with both high-quality information about their homes and assure higher quality installation.

To score a home, the process starts when an Assessor collects energy information during a brief home walk-through. Once the data has been collected, the Assessor enters it into the online scoring tool. The Assessor generates a score through the online scoring tool on a scale of 1 to 10, with a score of 10 indicating that the home has excellent energy performance. A score of 1 indicates the home needs extensive energy improvements. DOE can access the inputted house data through the Scoring Tool software.

Software providers interested in linking their software to the Home Energy Scoring Tool can do so via an application programming interface (API). By using the Home Energy Score API, third-party software can generate a Home Energy Score along with any other outputs the software already produces. This capability reduces data entry burdens for Home Energy Score Certified Assessors™ already using other software tools. Interested API users will need to satisfy DOE testing requirements to ensure that scoring through the API results in the same score outputs as scoring directly through the Home Energy Scoring Tool interface online.

DOE estimates about 30,000 homes will be evaluated in the HEScore program per year with at least 5% of homes scored twice for quality assurance checks. The program partners do produce Home Energy Score assessments under three different scenarios that require different amounts of time and effort to complete the Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form. One scenario is when the Score is offered to the homeowner as part of an energy audit. In this case, not including the time it takes for the Assessor to collect data for the audit, it takes the Assessor about ten minutes to collect very few additional data points to create the Home Energy Score. In another scenario the Score is offered as part of a home inspection where it takes the Assessor an additional 30 minutes to collect the data to create the Score. Sometimes the program partners give homeowners a Score without doing either an audit or inspection. In this case, all the collected data is for the purpose of creating a Score. It takes about 60 minutes to collect the data and 30 minutes for the Assessor to travel to and from the home.

The Home Energy Score program has the collection instruments listed below.

File name (MS Word format)	Form Name	DOE Form number
Home Energy Score Partnership Agreement v2019 OMB	Partnership Agreement	DOE HQ F 413.26
Home Energy Score Partner Implementation Plan Template v2019 OMB	Implementation Plan Template	DOE HQ 413.24
Home Energy Score Remote Service Provider Implementation Plan v2019 OMB	Home Energy Score Remote Service Provider Implementation Plan v2019	DOE HQ F 413.40
New Candidate Enrollment Form (v.2019) OMB	New Candidate Enrollment Form (v.2019) OMB	DOE HQ F 413.27 (replacement form)
A3 - Tool Data Collection Form v.2019 OMB	Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form	DOE HQ F 413.25
HEScore Data Entry Guidelines v.2019 OMB	Home Energy Score Data Entry Guidelines	Instruction for DOE HQ F 413.25
HIE Partner Agreement MTV Final Clean.wpd	Home Improvement Expert Partner Agreement	DOE HQ F 413.39
HIE Partner Quarterly Reporting Form	Home Improvement Expert Quarterly Reporting Form	DOE HQ F 413.41

Partners Joining Home Energy Score - Partnership Agreement (DOE HQ 413.26)

Home Energy Score partners are required to submit a Partnership Agreement (DOE HQ F 413.26) to participate in the program. The Partnership Agreement outlines the partner requirements and is signed by interested organizations that agree to meet the requirements to offer the Home Energy Score. Interested organizations also provide basic contact information in the Partnership Agreement. While the Home Energy Score program is voluntary, DOE requires partners to agree to score 500 homes a year and meet basic quality assurance requirements. The Partnership Agreement is vital to program participation because partners must agree to meet the program requirements as well as provide DOE with basic contact information to support program operations.

DOE estimates that 15 organizations are potentially likely to become partners per year and the burden calculation is shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Partners Joining Home Energy Score Template - Implementation Plan Template (DOE HQ 413.24)

DOE requires new partners to complete an Implementation Plan template (DOE HQ 413.24) that outlines how each program will implement the Home Energy Score program and complete 500 scores per year. Partners will describe their strategy for overcoming market barriers and ensure program success. DOE reviews the plans and uses the score to assess the viability of the potential partner. Without the Implementation Plans, DOE will not be able to determine how effective their effort will be in promoting the Home Energy Score.

In addition to the 15 organizations per year that may potentially become partners and complete the implementation plans, DOE estimates that 2 of the Partners may choose to apply to become Remote Service Partners who complete an additional implementation plan. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Software Providers Becoming API Compliant

There is no form for this activity. DOE estimates that 3 organizations per year may choose to apply to become API compliant and an additional 12 per year will update their software to remain compliant. Software providers interested in linking their software to the Home Energy Scoring Tool can do so via an application programming interface (API). By using the Home Energy Score API, third-party software can generate a Home Energy Score along with any other outputs the software already produces. This capability reduces data entry burdens for Home Energy Score Certified Assessors™ already using other software tools. Interested API users will need to satisfy DOE testing requirements to ensure that scoring through the API results in the same score outputs as scoring directly through the Home Energy Scoring Tool interface online. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Assessor Information Collection Form New Candidate Enrollment Form (DOE HQ F 413.27)

Partners are responsible for testing and training interested Assessors to become qualified to score homes. Partners must complete and submit a New Candidate Enrollment Form, DOE HQ F 413.27, which provides DOE with basic contact and credentialing information, as well as user IDs for the testing site and Scoring Tool. The information is necessary for tracking users’ access to the Scoring Tool and necessary for granting access to the testing site.

DOE estimates that as many as 400 home assessors may join per year. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Data Collection - Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form (DOE HQ F 413.25)

Home Energy Score Assessors are required to complete the Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form (DOE HQ F 413.25) from which the Home Energy Score is created. Instructions for the form are in a separate document called Home Energy Score Data Entry Guidelines.

DOE estimates that 30,000 home scores will be done per year for the three home scoring scenarios. DOE also estimates that 1,500 homes will be scored again for quality assurance. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Home Energy Score Data Entry Guidelines (DOE HQ F 413.25).

These are instructions for the Home Energy Score Assessors to complete the Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection form (DOE HQ F 413.25).

Assessor Training and Certification Procedures (No form)

To ensure that scores are calculated consistently, DOE maintains quality assurance requirements for the Home Energy Score program as well as qualification criteria for the individual assessors.

DOE currently relies on third-party professional certifications as a prerequisite for individuals interested in becoming Assessors. To supplement the professional certification requirements, DOE provides free online training and requires assessor candidates to pass its Home Energy Score online test before approving them as Assessors. DOE estimates that it takes eight to twelve hours for assessors to study for and take the test.

DOE estimates that 400 home assessors will join per year. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Home Improvement Expert (HIE) Partnership Agreement (DOE HQ F 413.39)

HIE partners are required to submit a Partnership Agreement (DOE HQ F 413.39) to participate in the program. The Partnership Agreement outlines the partner requirements and is signed by interested organizations that agree to meet the requirements to promote HIE content. Interested partners also provide basic contact information in the Partnership Agreement. DOE requires partners to promote HIE content in at least three public-facing communications and to provide DOE quarterly reports (described below) on their progress. The Partnership Agreement is vital to program participation because partners must agree to meet the program requirements as well as provide DOE with basic contact information to support program operations.

DOE estimates that 83 organizations will join per year. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Home Improvement Expert (HIE) Partner Quarterly Reporting Form (DOE HQ F 413.41)

HIE partners are required to provide DOE quarterly reports (DOE HQ F 413.41) on their program promoting HIE content to consumers. This helps DOE track how the resource is being used and informs how to continuously improve the content.

The 83 organizations of the HIE will complete 4 quarterly reports per year. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 2 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK

The Better Buildings Residential Network (BBRN) is a voluntary group of residential energy efficiency programs and partners whose purpose is to share best practices and learn from one another to increase the number of homes that are energy efficient. Network membership is open to all organizations that are committed to accelerating the pace of home energy upgrades. Membership benefits include peer-exchange calls on issues like workforce partners, marketing and outreach, data and evaluation, financing and revenue generation, multifamily/low-income housing, and program sustainability. In addition, members receive access to program tools, templates, resources, newsletters, and recognition opportunities.

The organizations expected to participate in the Better Buildings Residential Network include financial institutions; Federal, state, and local governments; academic and educational institutions; nonprofit organizations; energy program administrators and implementers; utilities; Home Performance with ENERGY STAR sponsors; Home Energy Score Partners; and other organizations that believe peer sharing will help them improve their effectiveness in encouraging homeowners to complete home energy upgrades.

Partner organizations participate as much or as little as they like, provided they meet the minimum membership commitments. These include a commitment to provide DOE with an annual update of the number of residential energy efficiency upgrades they completed, and an option to share information about the benefits associated with completed upgrades.

The Better Buildings Residential Program Guide, which BBRN members are encouraged to access and use, is an online repository of valuable resources for energy efficiency programs and partners, including case studies, various templates, instructional handbooks, and examples of program best practices. The Program Guide represents a sizable investment in documenting the most effective strategies employed by residential energy efficiency program implementers. DOE is committed to understanding if the Solution Center is proving valuable to its intended stakeholders.

The BBRN has goals of 40 new members and about 20,000 homes with energy efficiency upgrades per year.

The Better Buildings Residential Network has the collection instruments listed below.

File name (MS Word or Excel)	Form Name	DOE Form number
ICR_BB_MembershipForm_MASTER_8-21-14_1.5.15	Membership Form	DOE HQ F 413.16
Template_2015 Better Buildings Residential Network Reporting Form_0	Annual Progress Form	DOE HQ F 413.18

The Membership Form (DOE HQ F 413.16)

The Membership Form (DOE HQ F 413.16) explains the requirements of the BBRN program and gives DOE the basic information it needs to identify the applicant, to understand what type of work the applicant does, to identify the primary point of contact within the organization applying, and to identify the types of information and help that the applicant would be interested in receiving. This information also provides DOE with member contact information and enables DOE to create a profile of the member for website publication. Furthermore, by collecting this information, DOE can provide advice and resources to the partner to make the most of its participation in the program. DOE is able to invite them to the relevant peer sharing calls, connect them to colleagues in other programs who have the same topical interests, and create a web profile for them so other members can find them to offer support and ask questions where they have expertise. Membership information also provides DOE with useful information about the kinds of peer calls members want to participate in, enabling DOE to design targeted event schedules.

DOE estimates that 24 organizations will join per year with 12 of them choosing to submit information in addition to the minimum required in response to the question “What topics would you like to see the Residential Network address?”. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 3 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

The Annual Progress Form (DOE HQ F 413.18

The Annual Progress Form (DOE HQ F 413.18) is collected once per year. The one-page form contains information that DOE may use to highlight successes and best practices. Programs that realize exceptional annual results may be showcased in residential network peer-exchange calls and on DOE websites as models for other programs to consider following as they also strive for realized energy savings. The form asks for contact information, the number of home energy upgrades completed in the year, and an option to share the benefits associated with the upgrades with the suggestion from DOE that benefits could include the following: energy saved, money saved by consumers, economic impacts, jobs created or workers trained, environmental benefits, and health benefits.

By collecting this information, DOE will have a more complete understanding of the current residential energy efficiency marketplace. As the national agency charged with energy expertise, DOE is routinely called upon to provide snapshots of the industry, which exist in various forms, but none focused only on residential energy upgrades. Collecting annual progress data from the most active programs across the country will enable a better market understanding, which leads to greater understanding of areas where successful strategies may be underway and should be amplified to help others, and also where there are barriers that DOE can help overcome.

DOE estimates that 30 organizations will submit the annual progress form per year. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 3 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours. Note that the Solution Center Online User Survey, the Solution Center Rating & Comment Form, Optional Solution Center Example Submissions, and the Phone Survey for Grid-Interactive Efficiency Building Data Collection are no longer in use (see Section A.15 for more information).

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR

The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES) program provides homeowners with resources to identify trusted contractors that can help them understand their home's energy use, as well as to identify home improvements that increase energy performance and improve comfort. Participating contractors can recommend and perform energy improvements, such as air sealing and insulation that can fix drafty and uncomfortable rooms and install high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. These improvements can lower utility bills in addition to improving occupant health and comfort. Contractors that participate in HPwES are qualified by local sponsors such as utilities, state energy offices, and other organizations to ensure that they can offer high-quality, comprehensive energy assessments (also known as "energy audits") using sophisticated equipment to diagnose a home's energy, health, and safety issues. HPwES is unique because local sponsors independently verify the quality of participating contractors' work. As a result, homeowners can feel confident in their contractors’ recommendations and in the effectiveness of the work they are paying for.

The organizations that decide to participate in the HPwES program are state or local government energy offices or agencies, utilities, clean energy non-profits with existing residential energy programs, and industry trade groups.

DOE’s goals for HPwES are 20% market share of energy efficiency related home improvements by 2030 equaling roughly one million projects per year. About 35 organizations work with DOE on this activity.

The Home Performance with Energy Star Program has the collection instruments listed below.

Electronic File name (Adobe PDF format)	Form Name	DOE Form number
ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement_6	Partnership Agreement	EPA Form No. 5900-33
HPwES_Program_Plan_Template	Implementation Plan Template	DOE HQ F 413.29
HpwES_Biannual_Report_Template	HpwES Sponsor Biannual Report Template	DOE HQ F 413.30
HpwES_Annual_Report_Template	HpwES Sponsor Annual Report Template	DOE HQ F 413.31
2023ESAwards_Part 2-APP EnergyEfficiencyProgramDelivery	Partner of the Year Application: Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Template	DOE HQ F 413.32
2023ESAwards_Part 2-APP HPwESContractorOftheYear	Partner of the Year Application: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Template	DOE HQ F 413.34

Partnership Agreement Form EPA Form No. 5900-33

Organizations can join the HpwES program by registering on-line (DOE HQ F 413.28). Registering is done by submitting basic contact information and reading the partnership agreement. The Agreement explains the requirements of the program. The information that is collected through the registration form is needed for DOE to be able communicate with the partners and to categorize partners so DOE can target outreach, appropriately assist partners, and analyze participation.

Implementation Plan Template (DOE HQ F 413.29)

New Partners complete an Implementation Plan template (DOE HQ F 413.29) that outlines how each program will design and execute their HpwES program. Partners will provide general contact information, budget and goals, details of their program design, how they work with their contractors, how they ensure program quality, and their marketing strategy. DOE reviews the plans to assess the viability of the potential partner. Without the Implementation Plans, DOE will not be able to determine how effective their effort will be in implementing and promoting HpwES.

DOE estimates that 3 organizations per year will join HpwES and complete the Implementation Plan. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 4 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

HpwES Sponsor Biannual Reporting Template. (DOE HQ F 413.30

DOE collects quarterly reports (DOE HQ F 413.30) to keep track of the progress of program participants. Partners describe how many contractors, inspections, and projects they completed.

DOE estimates that 40 organizations per year will send Bi-annual reports to DOE. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 4 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

HpwES Sponsor Annual Reporting Template. (DOE HQ F 413.31)

The Annual Reporting Template (DOE HQ F 413.31) is collected once per year to verify compliance with program requirements and help DOE support program growth. Partners provide such information about the number of home assessments they have done and metrics of their program results such as energy savings and types of measures installed.

DOE estimates that 35 organizations per year will send Annual reports to DOE. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 4 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

Partner of the Year and Contractor of the Year Award Application Template. (DOE HQ F 413.34)

Partners who want to distinguish themselves in the housing energy efficiency market may apply for the Partner of the Year award (DOE HQ F 413.34). This award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated leadership and best practices in implementing energy efficiency program and/or program portfolios that incorporate ENERGY STAR as a key strategy. Winners will receive recognition at the ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony and in other venues. Their accomplishments will be featured on the ENERGY STAR website and in press releases and other publications.

DOE estimates that 25 organizations per year will participate. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 4 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

HpwES Participating Contractors may compete in a subset of the Partner of the Year Award called the Contractor of the Year Award by completing the Contractor of the Year Award Application through the ENERGY STAR website. The annual award program provides publicity for the winners and for the program. Winners have typically received recognition at the Housing Innovation Awards Ceremony and the HPC National Home Performance Conference and their accomplishments will be featured in:

• The U.S. Department of Energy website;

• The ENERGY STAR website;

• National press and journal articles; and

• Workshops and webinars.

DOE estimates that 15 organizations per year will participate. The burden calculations are shown in Exhibit 4 in section A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours.

A.3. Use of Technology

Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

To reduce burden, DOE will collect as much information as possible electronically, by email, and through internet web sites. The collection requests can also be submitted by postal mail for Partners who prefer that method. Reports may also be submitted by facsimile, in-person, or by phone. DOE expects in-person and phone submittals to be rare. 99.99% of responses will be electronic. When people wish to give information requested on a form by phone or in-person, DOE will use the particular form as the script for the conversation with the submitter. The collection requests do not require a specific collection technique be used. Additional information about how information is collected for each program can be found in the answers to questions 4 and 5.

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM

Wherever possible, the Zero Energy Ready Home program uses systems that automatically populate forms with previously gathered information which minimizes the amount of time needed to submit information. All the participants in the program use computer software tools to create home ratings. To submit information to DOE for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary, energy rating software automatically takes the previously collected data and completes the form for the user. Without the software, it would take the participant about 15 minutes to complete the form for DOE. The largest reporting burden for the Zero Energy Ready Home program is the Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary.

HOME ENERGY SCORE

All the collection activities for Home Energy Score are automated and electronic.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK

Wherever possible, the Better Buildings Residential Network and Program Guide will use systems that automatically populate forms with previously gathered information which minimizes the amount of time needed to submit information. Specifically, information collected about users on either the Residential Network membership form or Solution Center User Profile Customized Experience addendum can be used to auto-populate online-profiles in both websites.

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR

Wherever possible, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program will use systems that automatically populate templates with previously gathered information which minimizes the amount of time needed to submit information. All responses are submitted electronically through email or web-based systems. To illustrate this point, DOE has published an HPXML Implementation Guide to assist programs adopt a common data taxonomy and transfer protocol in order to ease the burden of multiple data entries for the same information by Sponsor contractors and associated stakeholders. Additionally, DOE is integrating Home Energy Score reporting into the HPwES process to leverage that data and replace some data reporting for those Sponsors who also implement Home Energy Score.

A.4. Efforts to Identify Duplication

Describe efforts to identify duplication.

The ZERH Program and HPwES Program both work closely with EPA’s ENERGY STAR programs. Where there is overlap in the programs and the participants in these two DOE programs submit information to EPA, DOE always uses the same information the participants submit to EPA and does not ask participants to submit the same checklists to DOE that they already submitted to EPA.

EPA manages the database for the ENERGY STAR program and the DOE HPwES program has access to it and coordinates with EPA.

The DOE HPwES Program operates an award and recognition program in conjunction with EPA’s ENERGY STAR Programs. Participants in the award program need apply only one time to both EPA and DOE. The two forms that are part of the Energy Star awards are the Partner of the Year Application Template and the Contractor of the Year Application Template.

In the case of the ZERH program, DOE requires participation in the EPA Indoor airPLUS Program and Energy Star Single Family New Construction or (Multifamily New Construction Program) as prerequisites. DOE asks participants only to say if they comply with those EPA requirements and does not ask for the information that the participants gave to EPA.

Except for registering with the programs where participants submit basic corporate contact information, the coordination with EPA is not duplicative. The information DOE requests has not been collected by DOE or other Federal agencies. There are no other databases that collect this information.

DOE coordinates with EPA on the HPwES program on some forms and activities.

HPwES and Home Energy Score is investigating common attributes for the two programs and seeks to integrate Home Energy Score reporting into HPwES to reduce reporting burden for those programs implementing the score.

A.5. Provisions for Reducing Burden on Small Businesses

If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

Electronic collection and reporting of data will minimize the impact on small entities. All of today’s small entities have the computer and web-based equipment and systems and knowledge of how to use them to submit the requested information. None of the information collection activities will require specialized equipment or training. DOE and its representatives will be available to discuss difficulties in submitting information and can collect the information by regular mail when necessary.

For the Zero Energy Ready Home program, the majority of information responses to DOE will be home energy ratings submitted by home energy raters using the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary form. The raters will use software they already own that automatically generates the Summary. The home energy rating industry exists apart from DOE and in order to maximize efficiency DOE worked with the industry so that the information they already collect can be easily reported to DOE. DOE believes that zero organizations participating with the Zero Energy Ready Home program will purchase the software for the sake of participating in the ZERH program.

A.6. Consequences of Less-Frequent Reporting

Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

To be successfully implemented, the programs require the collection of some unique and specific participant information. DOE is requesting the minimum level of information required to fully support and implement the programs. If this information were to not be collected, the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, the Home Energy Score Program, Better Buildings Residential Network, and the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program could not exist. The goals and purpose of these programs are described in the answer to question 2 above.

These programs assist in the implementation of two governing statutes applicable to DOE. The DOE Organization Act of 1977 authorizes energy conservation functions, including development of comprehensive energy conservation strategies for the Nation, planning and implementation of major R&D programs for development of technologies and processes to reduce total energy use, administration of voluntary and mandatory energy conservation programs, and dissemination to the public of all available information on energy conservation programs and measures. Under EPACT 2005, subtitle A, Section 911 (a)(2)(B): Programs under this subtitle shall include research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of cost-effective technologies, for new construction and retrofit, to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings, using a whole buildings approach, including onsite renewable energy generation.

The programs described within this ICR are directed toward two of the goals of these two statutes: the commercial application of cost-effective technologies in new and existing homes, as well as the administration of voluntary energy conservation programs.

Further needs for each collection instrument are described below.

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM.

Registration and Partner Agreement Forms DOE HQ F 413.4

The Partner Agreements are submitted to DOE one time per partner; less frequent collection is not possible.

Zero Energy Ready Home Verification Summary DOE HQ F 413.5

This information constitutes the largest reporting burden for the Zero Energy Ready Home program and is reported for each of the 5,000 homes per year. DOE needs the data from every home to ensure the quality of the homes and to analyze program achievements, including energy savings and energy cost savings. Less frequent collection would hinder DOE’s ability to verify the energy efficiency of each home and would have a negative influence on the Zero Energy Ready Home’s brand value as a symbol for energy efficiency. The very large variations in design, size, and energy use among homes make it difficult to sample fewer homes and use statistical analysis to accurately understand all homes.

Housing Innovation Award Application DOE HQ F 413.7

DOE collects this information annually. Less frequent collection would prevent DOE from obtaining current information and would prevent DOE from providing annual public recognition to outstanding partners.

PV - Ready Checklist DOE HQ F 413.12

DOE does not collect the completed checklists but use of the Renewable Energy Ready Checklist ensures that the home was constructed to high quality standards.

HOME ENERGY SCORE

Partnership Agreement DOE HQ F 413.26

The Partnership Agreements are submitted to DOE one time per partner; less frequent collection is not possible.

Partner Implementation Plan DOE HQ 413.24

The Partner Implementation Plans are submitted to DOE one time per Partner; less frequent collection is not possible.

Remote Service Provider Implementation Plan DOE HQ F 413.40

The Service Provider Implementation Plans are submitted to DOE one time per Service Provider; less frequent collection is not possible.

New Candidate Enrollment Form DOE HQ F 413.27

The Partnership Agreements are submitted to DOE one time per partner; less frequent collection is not possible.

Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Form DOE HQ F 413.25

DOE collects data on the Home Energy Scoring Tool Data Collection Forms once per home so less frequent collection is not possible.

Home Energy Score Data Entry Guidelines DOE HQ F 413.25

This form helps ensure that scores are calculated consistently and teaches the Assessors how to do the job.

Assessor Training and Certification Procedures (No form)

The professionals who conduct the Home Energy Scores take one training session and pass one test. This helps ensure that scores are calculated consistently and teaches the Assessors how to do the job.

Home Improvement Expert (HIE) Partnership Agreement DOE HQ F 413.39

HIE partners are required to submit a Partnership Agreement to participate in the program and renew their participation once per year. If DOE does not collect this information the program will be unable to measure DOE’s impact and that of its member partners.

Home Improvement Expert (HIE) Partner Quarterly Reporting Form DOE HQ F 413.41

Quarterly reports enable DOE to monitor partners’ progress in delivering the materials of the Home Improvement Expert to consumers. This helps DOE track how the resource is being used and informs how to continuously improve the content. Less frequent collection of this data would not allow DOE to manage the program as well.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK.

The Membership Form DOE HQ F 413.16

The Membership Forms are submitted to DOE one time per partner; less frequent collection is not possible. Without a membership form, DOE cannot operate this program.

The Annual Progress Form DOE HQ F 413.18

If DOE does not collect this information the program will be unable to measure DOE’s impact and that of its member partners. In addition, DOE will not have national or local market insights that prove valuable when trying to help other programs succeed. Collection will be once per year; less frequent collection is not feasible for tracking trends and results.

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR.

Partnership Agreement Template EPA Form No. 5900-33

The Membership Templates are submitted to DOE one time per partner; less frequent collection is not possible. Without a membership form, DOE cannot operate this program.

Implementation Plan Template DOE HQ F 413.29

The Implementation Plans are submitted to DOE one time per Partner; less frequent collection is not possible.

HPwES Sponsor Biannual Reporting Template DOE HQ F 413.30

Biannual reports are reported to enable DOE to monitor+3 Sponsors’ progress in delivering projects; Sponsors’ compliance with DOE’s quality assurance requirements; and Participating Contractors’ status as active, probationary, or inactive. Less frequent collection of this data would result in less accurate lists of contractors who have access to and permission to use the ENERGY STAR brand.

HPwES Sponsor Annual Reporting Template DOE HQ F 413.31

If DOE does not collect this information, the program will be unable to measure DOE’s impact and that of its member partners. Furthermore, this information aides DOE in evaluating sponsors’ compliance with program requirements. In addition, collection will be once per year; less frequent collection is not feasible for tracking trends and results.

Partner of the Year Application Template DOE HQ F 413.32

The information for the Partner of the Year award is submitted to DOE one time per annual competition; less frequent collection would limit the competition to a less frequent event. This form is managed by EPA as part of the ENERGY STAR Awards program.

Contractor of the Year Award Application DOE HQ F 413.34

DOE collects this information one time per annual competition. Less frequent collection would prevent DOE from obtaining current information and would prevent DOE from providing annual public recognition to outstanding contractors. This form is managed by EPA as part of the ENERGY STAR Awards program.

A.7. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.5

Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines:

(a) requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

(b) requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

(c) requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

(d) requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

(e) in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to product valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

(f) requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

(g) that includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in stature of regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

(h) requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no inconsistencies with the OMB guidelines.

A.8. Summary of Consultations Outside of the Agency

If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5CFR 320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken in response to the comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside DOE to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or report.

The Department published a 60-day Federal Register Notice and request for comment on April 20, 2023 (volume 88, number 76, page 24395). The notice described the collection and invited interested parties to submit comments or recommendations regarding the collection. No comments were received.

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM

Based on past operations of the programs and similar programs, DOE staff running the Zero Energy Ready Home Program have a good understanding of how long it takes and how much it costs to complete the information collection activities and was able to accurately estimate how much time and effort it takes participants to complete the activities. The response information is based on EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program for Homes. The Program coordinators have frequent meetings and phone calls with partners where aspects of the programs are discussed including how to effectively submit information to DOE. Program coordinators hold between 2 and 3 meetings each year and industry events where we proactively seek feedback on our information collection efforts and the administrative burden experienced by program partners. After each Housing Innovation Award process, Newport discusses the process with participants in order to gauge the response time burden and to gain feedback on ways to streamline the process and reduce the burden. Program coordinators are in constant contact throughout the year with program partners and get a continual stream of feedback related to the administrative burden of the program.

HOME ENERGY SCORE

The Home Energy Score program coordinators also have had, and will continue, to have frequent meetings, individual phone calls, and conference calls with the partners that participate in the programs, to discuss aspects of the Home Energy Score programs, including how to operate the programs most effectively and to discuss submitting information to DOE. Home Energy Score program coordinators hold regular voluntary Partner webinars (typically, every other month) where Partners are solicited for feedback on Home Energy Score program quality and efficiency opportunities, in addition to being informed of any coming program updates, relevant industry information and to share Partner updates and best practices.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK

The Better Buildings Residential Network (BBRN) is a voluntary networking and webinar program. The most recent request during phone conference received no responses.

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR.

The HPwES program has polled a limited set of its partners to receive comments on the accuracy of the cost and hour burden estimates and their views on the data collections. Three partners responded and their information changed our burden estimates. In response to their comments and coordinating with EPA estimates of time burden for the templates, we increased our estimates of how long it takes participants to apply for the Contractor and Partner of the Year awards, increasing the estimate by 55.5 hours for those two activities.

A.9. Payments or Gifts to Respondents

Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

DOE will give no payments or gifts to respondents.

A.10. Provisions for Protection of Information

Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

DOE does not collect sensitive information such as medical information or social security numbers. The personally identifiable information that DOE collects are business contact information, names, and addresses. All the requests for information are voluntary; people and organizations may decline to participate. DOE will aggregate the data when reporting it to ensure that no individual organization or person can be identified. HPwES publishes a table on a quarterly basis that conveys the total projects each Sponsor reports to DOE for that quarter. DOE does not publish the personally identifiable information of homeowners and does obtain company permission before using any data or information in case studies and other publications. All DOE employees take Privacy Act training. Contractors are involved with handling the information. Privacy Act clauses are included in their contracts. Only approved DOE employees and contractors who have a clear need will access and see the information. DOE’s Records Management Program, DOE Order 243.1B, sets the requirements for records management, including maintaining confidentiality.

When responding to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request DOE is careful to remove personally identifiable information from the information that is released in accordance with exemption 6 in the FOIA. Information releases are reviewed by DOE employees trained in FOIA and the law.

A.11. Justification for Sensitive Questions

Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why DOE considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

There are no forms or surveys in this package that involve questions of a sensitive, personal, or private nature.

A.12A. Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours

Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, DOE should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample fewer than 10 potential respondents is desirable.

For the Programs for Improving Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings and the Energy Consumption Survey, the estimate of hour burden of the information collection is as follows:

• Total annual responses: 45,170

• Total annual burden hours: 19,397

• Total number of unduplicated respondents: 969

Of the 969 unduplicated respondents we estimate that the types of organizations are as follows:

• Individuals and households - 0

• For Profit Organizations – 470

• Not for profit Organizations – 131

• State and Local Governments – 354

• Utility Companies - 14

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM

• Total annual responses: 10,490

• Total annual burden hours: 4703

• Total number of unduplicated respondents: 411

Of the 411 unduplicated respondents we estimate that the types of organizations are as follows:

• Individuals and households - 0

• For Profit Organizations – 382

• Not for profit Organizations – 27

• State and Local Governments – 2

DOE staff have a good understanding of how long it takes and how much it costs to complete the information collection activities and were able to accurately estimate how much time and effort it takes participants to complete the activities. DOE staff have frequent meetings and phone calls with partners in their programs where aspects of the programs are discussed including how to effectively submit information to DOE. As described in section 8 of this ICR, DOE has sometimes changed its estimates of burden hours for some activities based on conversations with respondents.

The table below gives details on how these amounts were determined.

Table 1. Zero Energy Ready Home Program: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for Joining and Related Activities.

HOME ENERGY SCORE PROGRAM

• Total annual responses: 34,407

• Total annual burden hours: 13,536

• Total number of unduplicated respondents: 390

Of the390 unduplicated respondents we estimate that the types of organizations are as follows:

• Individuals and households - 0

• For Profit Organizations - 28

• Not for profit Organizations - 40

• State and Local Governments – 308

• Utilities - 14

The table below gives details on how these amounts were determined.

Table 2. Home Energy Score Program: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for Joining and Related Activities.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK

• Total annual responses: 120

• Total annual burden hours: 45

• Total number of unduplicated respondents: 133

Of the 133 unduplicated respondents we estimate that the types of organizations are as follows:

• Individuals and households - 0

• For Profit Organizations - 33

• Not for profit Organizations - 60

• State and Local Governments – 40

The table below gives details on how these amounts were determined. 

Table 3. Better Buildings Residential Network: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for Joining and Related Activities.

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR

• Total annual responses: 153

• Total annual burden hours: 1113

• Total number of unduplicated respondents: 35

Of the 35 unduplicated respondents we estimate that the types of organizations are as follows:

• Individuals and households - 0

• For Profit Organizations - 27

• Not for profit Organizations - 4

• State and Local Governments - 4

The table below gives details on how these amounts were determined.

Table 4. Home Performance with Energy Star: Estimated Annual Respondent Burden and Cost for Joining and Related Activities.

A.12B. Estimate of Annual Cost to Respondent for Burden Hours

Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under ‘Annual Cost to Federal Government’.

DOE estimates that the hours spent on the forms costs respondents $1,531,638. The breakout for each program is as follows: $459,091 for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, $985,897 for the Home Energy Score Program, $3,248 for the Better Buildings Residential Network, and $83,402for the Home Performance with Energy Star Program.

The tables in A.12.A Estimate of Respondent Burden Hours above show how DOE calculated these costs for respondents. DOE used wage estimates from the Department of Labor. Specifically, May 2022 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates from this web page https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm.. The wage estimates are mean hourly wages times 1.6 to add overhead and benefits. (Except, for student a DOL wage is not used. $22 is used times 1.6 = $35.2)

From the Department of Labor:

• All occupations – $29.76 x 1.6 = 47.62

• Management – 63.08 x 1.6 = 100.93

• Arch and Engr (technical) – 45.52 x 1.6 = 72.83

• Legal – 59.87 x 1.6 = 95.79

• Office and Admin support (clerical) – 21.90 x 1.6 = 35.04

• Student – 22 x 1.6 = 35.2

• Educational – 30.87 x 1.6 = 49.39

DOE applied the above wage rates to these occupations:

• Homeowner/other – $47.62

• Management – 100.93

• Technical – 72.83

• Management or technical – 100.93

• Legal – 95.79

• Clerical – 35.04

• Student – 35.20

• Educational – 49.39

A.13. Other Estimated Annual Cost to Respondents

Provide an estimate for the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.

DOE estimates there are no capital, startup, or operating and maintenance costs for respondents to collect and send the information to DOE. DOE believes that respondents use computer equipment and software that are customary and usual business practice to have and that these are not additional costs associated with the information collection.

A.14. Annual Cost to the Federal Government

Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.

The annual cost to the Federal government resulting from the collection of information for the three Programs for Improving Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings is estimated to be about $127,518. The cost is for the government time to review the data received for completeness and accuracy. The hourly labor rates for government employees used in this ICR were obtained from the 2018 GS pay schedule available from the Office of Personnel Management. DOE estimates an average hourly labor cost of $102.45 for legal staff, $87.09 for managerial staff, $73.71 for technical staff, and $28.21 for clerical staff. The labor costs are based on the following GS levels and steps: legal labor rates were based on GS Level 15, Step 5, managerial labor rates were based on GS Level 14, Step 5, technical labor rates were based on GS Level 13, Step 5, and clerical labor rates were based on GS Level 5, Step 5. To derive hourly estimates, DOE divided annual compensation estimates by 2,080, which is the number of hours in the Federal work-year. DOE then multiplied hourly rates by the standard government overhead factor of 1.6. Calculations for total annual Agency burden and costs are presented in the tables below.

ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM. The annual cost to the Federal government resulting from the collection of information for the Zero Energy Ready Home program is estimated to be about $76,228.

Table 5. Zero Energy Ready Home Program: Estimated Annual DOE Burden and Cost.

HOME ENERGY SCORE PROGRAM. The annual cost to the Federal government resulting from the collection of information for the Home Energy Score program is estimated to be about $37,266.

Table 6. Home Energy Score Program: Estimated Annual DOE Burden and Cost.

BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK. The annual cost to the Federal government resulting from the collection of information for the Better Buildings Residential Network is estimated to be about $2,968.

Table 7. Better Buildings Residential Network Estimated Annual DOE Burden and Cost.

HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR

The annual cost to the Federal government resulting from the collection of information for the Home Performance with Energy Star program is estimated to be about $11,056.

Table 8. Home Performance with Energy Star Estimated Annual DOE Burden and Cost

A.15. Reasons for Changes in Burden

Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 (or 14) of OMB Form 83-I.

For the ZERH Program the increase in number of responses is because more people are expected to participate. This is based on historic growth in the program as well as expected increase in growth due to availability of incentives. The reason for the decrease in burden hours is because DOE reduced the estimate of how much time people take to complete the forms, in addition to removing forms no longer in use.

For the HES Program the decrease in responses is due to an adjustment in projected participation estimates, based on the fact that participation estimates from the previous period appear to have been significantly over-predicted relative to actual participation over that time-period. The actual burden hours are expected to decrease because of that decrease in program participation. The estimated burden hours that DOE is reporting in this ICR, however, are increasing because DOE is changing its estimate of how long it takes people to complete the forms. The reason for this change is because DOE discovered an error in the spreadsheet that was used three years ago. The formulas in four cells were incorrect.

For the Better Buildings Program, DOE expects participation to be about the same. The decrease in the estimate of responses and burden hours is because DOE decided to stop many of the activities and requests it made to participants. That is, DOE decreased the number of collection instruments (forms) it uses and asks participants to use. DOE no longer conduct a Solution Center Online Survey, never utilized the Solution Center Rating and Comment Form. The phone survey was used some years ago but not intended to be used again.

For the HPwES Program, the decreases in responses and burden hours are because DOE estimates fewer people will participate in the program.

Table 9. Summary of Burden
Program	Previously approved hours	Requested hours	Difference	Previously approved responses	Requested Responses	Difference
ZERO ENERGY READY HOME PROGRAM	5,545	4,703	-842	6,247	10,490	4,243
HOME ENERGY SCORE PROGRAM	6,718	13,536	6,818	82,407	34,407	-48,000
BETTER BUILDINGS RESIDENTIAL NETWORK	977	45	-932	3,762	120	-3,642
HOME PERFORMANCE WITH ENERGY STAR	1,143	1,113	-30	168	153	-15
Total	14,383	19,397	5014	92,584	45,170	-47,414

A.16. Collection, Tabulation, and Publication Plans

For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.

DOE does not intend to do any complex statistical analysis of the data it collects. DOE publicizes the success of the four programs in various venues such as web pages, email newsletters, and press releases for the public. The HPwES program does identify correlations and trends and reports them to stakeholders through presentations, webinars, and the website.

When DOE publishes case studies for the purpose of promoting the ZERH Program, DOE does not publish personally identifiable information of the homeowners with the case studies. DOE uses the case studies to give positive recognition to builders participating in the program and to publicize the type of homes that are being built under the program. These builders do give DOE permission to publish their names and contact information and often promote the case studies themselves for positive marketing.

A.17. OMB Number and Expiration Date

If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.

DOE will display the OMB Control No. and expiration date on the associated information collections.

A.18. Certification Statement

Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 of OMB Form 83-I.

DOE has no exceptions to the certification statement in Item 19 of Form 83-I.