High Performing Homes

Pearl Certification

Pearl Certification is a national firm that provides third-party certification of high-performing homes: homes with “performance assets” that make them healthy, safe, comfortable, energy and water efficient.

Pearl’s certification system enables home buyers to see and understand the value of a home’s high-performing assets when the home is sold. Research from across the U.S. shows that third-party home certifications like Pearl’s add an average of 4% to the sale price of high-performing homes, compared to similar homes lacking these assets.

The Science Behind Pearl Certification

Pearl’s certification system is based on building science. It was developed in consultation with national experts on energy efficiency and home performance, and with technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Pearl’s certification system takes into account how well an asset like insulation or a cooling system was installed. It also takes into account tools that allow a homeowner to view, understand, and improve their home’s performance.

Certification Process

Each home is given a certification level based on verified high-performing assets for a number of features that enhance the quality of life for its owners. These assets fall within the main Special Performance Features:

Building Shell

300 possible points

The building shell consists of the roof and attic, exterior walls, windows, doors, and basement or crawlspace. These assets provide an air, moisture, and thermal barrier that separates the inside from the outside.

view details

Heating and Cooling

360 possible points

A home’s heating and cooling systems include furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. This equipment heats and cools air, water, or steam. The ducts and pipes that circulate the air, water or steam through the home are also part of the heating and cooling system.

view details

Baseload

240 possible points

A home’s baseload includes devices that run year-round, not just in the heating or cooling season. Water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, lighting, and other features contribute to a home’s baseload.

view details

Home Management

300 possible points

A home’s management assets include “smart” devices that control heating and cooling systems, lighting, and other technologies: dashboards that provide information about energy use; and plans for improving the home’s performance assets.

view details

Pearl works in partnership with U.S. Department of Energy and many of the nation's leading real estate, appraisal, contracting and building science organizations.

3D Tours

Explore some of our floorplans below and click on the camera and document icons throughout to learn more about specific high performing assets within this specific home. Click the Pearl Certification icon to navigate from room to room within the home.