Certifying for Energy Star and ZERH Program in Dorm Living: Roanoke College’s Container Home Project
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At Central Energy Audits, we love projects that challenge traditional ideas of building design — and the recent container home dorms at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, did exactly that. This innovative project reimagines what student housing can look like, combining modern design, sustainability, and high-performance energy efficiency.
A Collaborative Effort from the Ground Up
Our team was involved from the very beginning, consulting through multiple design and planning meetings to help the project meet the requirements of several advanced energy programs. Together with the builder, Custom Container Living, we reviewed and verified all aspects of:
ENERGY STAR Homes certification
DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes program
EPA Indoor airPLUS (Indoor Air Quality program)
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Photovoltaic (PV) readiness checklists
Each program has its own detailed set of performance, design, and quality assurance criteria — and this project met every one of them.
Energy Efficiency with Real Benefits
In addition to providing energy-efficient, comfortable, and durable living spaces for students, the builder was able to claim $5,000 in tax incentives per unit built thanks to the certifications achieved through this process. It’s a great example of how smart energy design not only benefits the environment but also provides tangible financial rewards for builders and developers.
From Factory to Final Inspection
Central Energy Audits spent several months conducting detailed insulation inspections throughout the construction process. Once the units were ready, our team traveled to Virginia to complete final air leakage testing, mechanical ventilation verification, and program certification inspections.
These steps ensured that each container dorm met or exceeded the performance standards required for ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Home certification.
A Milestone in Modern Student Housing
The Roanoke College container dorms are more than just an impressive sustainability story — they represent a new approach to dorm living. Students will benefit from healthier indoor environments, lower energy use, and innovative design that supports both comfort and environmental responsibility.
We’re proud to have played a role in this project and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Custom Container Living and Roanoke College.
Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exciting, forward-thinking vision to life!
