Code Officials

Ekotrope RATER and Energy Code Compliance

Ekotrope RATER is the leading home energy rating software in the US, utilized for the vast majority of HERS ratings and 1 in 4 new homes built in the US. RATER is RESNET accredited and is the choice of over 350 HERS rating companies across the country, including the 10 largest. RATER supports all of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) residential versions and paths since 2006, as well as many state and local energy codes. RATER also supports building standards for ENERGY STAR, Department of Energy Efficient New Homes, LEED, NGBS, and more.

Our Algorithm and How RATER Supports Energy Code Compliance

RATER supports most pathways for residential energy code compliance under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), including the Performance (R405), Prescriptive/Total UA, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) paths. The software is accredited by RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) as a certified HERS rating tool, and complies with ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301 as well as the Class II, Tier 1 test procedures in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 — the nationally recognized benchmark for residential energy simulation software. You can verify Ekotrope's accreditation directly on the RESNET website. RESNET Accreditation Test Procedures are defined in Publication 002. 

When a project is rated using Ekotrope RATER, the software generates compliance reports that Code Officials can use to verify a home meets the applicable energy code pathway. Reports clearly identify the compliance path, which code sections the software checks for compliance, whether the home passes or does not pass each evaluated code section, and provides details about sections the home passes or fails and the margin of passing. This gives building departments a concise, standardized document for permit review.

RATER produces two types of compliance reports to support the full permitting lifecycle. A Projected Report is generated prior to construction using the planned home design, and can be submitted at the time of permit application to demonstrate the home is designed to meet the applicable energy code. A Confirmed Report is generated after construction is complete and all field verification and testing have been performed, providing the final documentation needed for a Certificate of Occupancy. Together, these two reports give Code Officials clear, timely documentation at each stage of the construction process.

Ekotrope RATER is powered by an hourly energy simulation algorithm. Ekotrope RATER has used an hourly algorithm since its inception and is dedicated to ensuring that it provides reliable and accurate energy simulation for a home energy model. You can view our ASHRAE 140 Test Results at this link.

State Code Support

Ekotrope maintains active support for many energy codes across the country, including state and local amended codes. We are consistently expanding our code library and collaborating directly with state energy offices and local building departments to ensure our implementations are accurate and up to date.

Why Code Officials Can Trust Ekotrope RATER

Ekotrope actively partners with state energy offices and building departments to ensure our compliance reports meet the needs of Code Officials. We regularly engage with building commissioners and code enforcement professionals to refine our reports and make them as clear and actionable as possible. If you have any questions about Ekotrope, please contact us!