The BuildSmartTM Program
 

BuildSmart Information for Builders

BuildSmart Information for Home Buyers

The BuildSmartTM Program

How do you benefit from the BuildSmart program? | What construction is eligible for BuildSmart? | BuildSmart certification | What are BuildSmart's certification levels? | What are BuildSmart's inspection service options? | More information on the BuildSmart Program

How do you benefit from the BuildSmart program?

FPL's BuildSmart program encourages new residential construction designed to meet energy conservation guidelines. Energy efficient homes reduce

  • individual customer usage and
  • aggregate peak load demands on FPL's energy system.

FPL assists the builder throughout the construction process by

  • inspecting
    • building construction and
    • equipment installation
  • certifying final construction with the State of Florida Energy Performance Index (EPI) and
  • awarding a BuildSmart Certificate.

What construction is eligible for BuildSmart?

To be eligible for the BuildSmart program, qualified residences must

  • be single-family detached homes
  • serviced by FPL and
  • have whole house electric cooling supplied by a central cooling system.

BuildSmart certification

The BuildSmart program certifies new construction that is more energy efficient than required by the State of Florida minimum standards. The Energy Performance Index (EPI) is used by the State of Florida to measure the relative energy efficiency of new homes. Since EPI is based on the amount of energy lost, more efficient homes have lower EPI ratings. Florida requires an EPI rating of 100 for new residential construction.

To qualify for BuildSmart certification, homes must have an EPI rating of 90 or less. FPL certifies BuildSmart homes at 3 levels, depending on their EPI rating.

What are BuildSmart's certification levels?

The table below shows the BuildSmart certification levels, required EPI ratings and estimated energy cost savings.

BuildSmart Certification Level

EPI Rating

*Monthly Energy Savings (see note below)

Gold

70 or below

30%

Silver

80-71

20%

Bronze

90-81

10%

*Note: Estimated savings are based on air conditioning, heating and water heating energy costs of a home built to meet the state-required efficiency code. Actual savings will be based on:

  • the quality of materials used
  • number of people in the home
  • lifestyle
  • house location and
  • weather fluctuations.

What are BuildSmart's inspection service options?

  • BuildSmart program offers participants different levels of service depending on the extent of BuildSmart participation. These service options are based on the type of inspections conducted.

The table below describes the different FPL service options, fees and services.

Service Options

Fees

Description of Services

Initial inspection (permit only)

$125

Initial inspection, including but not limited to the Energy Performance Index (EPI) test.

Basic service

$175

Initial and final inspection.

Premium service

$300

Initial, midpoint and final inspection.

More information on the BuildSmart Program

Visit the links below to learn more about the BuildSmart program.