For projects in Hawaii, does the TBC need to be passed if the Energy Star for Homes Builder Option Package is used?
If a project in Hawaii plans only to meet the prerequisite in EA 1.1, there are no additional requirements beyond the ENERGY STAR BOP and a thermal bypass inspection is not required. See EA 01-14 for further details. If a project in Hawaii intends to pursue points in EA 1.2 and conduct energy modeling, the following policy applies: the TBC is required and must be passed by a qualified energy rater if the home has space conditioning (cooling/heating). If a project has no space conditioning, it does not have to pass the thermal bypass inspection, but the project must be modeled using the blower door default value and Grade 3 insulation. A thermal bypass inspection must still be conducted, but a failure will not prevent certification.