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How Pearl SCORE™ works

Pearl SCORE™ analyzes over 700 data points to score your home's performance across Safety, Comfort, Operations, Resilience, and Energy. Scores range from 0-1000, with higher scores indicating better performance. Update your information anytime to ensure your score reflects your home's true value.

Methodology

This white paper explains the rigorous building-science behind Pearl SCORE™—the first nationwide standard for Safety, Comfort, Operations, Resilience, and Energy. Learn how we transform home performance data into clear, actionable insights for both homeowners and potential buyers.

Download the white paper
Pearl SCORE Methodology White Paper Product Image Q42025
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Multiple sources, maximum reliability

We collect more than 700 data points per home to calculate each Pearl SCORE™.  Just as important, that data comes from multiple sources—each offering a different perspective on the home. This approach creates a fuller, more reliable picture of how the home performs than any single source could provide. 

Proprietary modeling, proven accuracy

It's not just the volume and variety of data we collect—it's how we use it. Pearl's building science expertise and proprietary algorithms transform our data into actionable home performance insights. Studies confirm it: Pearl's energy models are within the same range of accuracy as models based on site-observed data — and is used by national financial institutions and mortgage providers.

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Built by experts

Pearl SCORE™ was developed by a team of nationally recognized experts in building science, computational modeling, real estate, and consumer behavior to provide a reliable, easy-to-understand measure of home performance. Their combined talents ensure our work remains rigorous, relevant, and visionary—grounded in today’s realities and aligned with tomorrow’s possibilities.

John Costello, Senior Certification Process Manager at Pearl Certification.
John Costello Senior Certification Process Manager

John Costello brings over 25 years of hands-on construction and energy efficiency expertise to the development and management of Pearl’s certification processes and technical standards. 

Kerry Harp, Senior Sustainability Analyst at Pearl Certification.
Kerry Harp Senior Sustainability Analyst

With over 25 years in energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being in the built environment, Kerry led research for Pearl SCORE v2.0, refining its holistic scoring methodology.

Noel Merket R&D Modeling Engineer

Noel is a leading voice in energy modeling and building performance, known for his pivotal role in developing the U.S. Department of Energy's next-generation Home Energy Score and co-creating NREL’s widely acclaimed ResStock tool. 

Kelly O'Connell Data Insights Team Lead

Kelly O’Connell combines over a decade of expertise in residential building science, energy modeling, and data management to drive Pearl’s nationwide energy modeling engine. 

Jeff Friesen Vice President of Engineering

Jeff is a national expert in energy modeling and machine learning and oversees the development and operations of Pearl’s energy modeling and home performance scoring software.

Robin LeBaron, Co-Founder and President of Pearl Certification.
Robin LeBaron Co-founder and President

Robin developed the first Pearl SCORE and oversaw the design of scoring algorithms that make up the Pearl SCORE v2.0. He oversees Pearl’s research and development, public sector engagement, and customer service.

Casey Murphy, Senior Vice President of Business Incubation at Pearl Certification.
Casey Murphy Senior Vice President, Quality and Standards

A trusted advisor to national programs like ENERGY STAR® and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings initiative, Casey ensures the Pearl SCORE™ meets the highest standards of technical rigor and applicability.

Adam Stenftenagel Vice President of Modeling & Data

Adam is a specialist in building science, energy modeling, and cost-benefit analysis. He conducts research and provides technical guidance on energy modeling, leads data visualization efforts, and conducts outreach to data partners.

Advisory council

Industry experts. Policy innovators. Market pioneers. Our Advisory Council serves as a strategic sounding board, helping Pearl stay ahead of emerging trends in housing, clean energy, and data science. These accomplished professionals challenge our thinking, guide key initiatives, and strengthen the link between science, policy, and the marketplace.

Ron Burke President and CEO Alliance for Water Efficiency

Ron Burke, President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency since March 2021, has 20 years of experience in environmental policy including as an Environmental Scientist at U.S. EPA.

Charlie Haack Vice President of Technical Services, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)

Charlie Haack, Vice President of Technical Services at NAIMA, oversees energy and building code development, competitive product testing, industry training, and manages the 3E Plus pipe insulation savings tool.

Nick Hurst US EPA, Indoor Environments Division

Nick Hurst is an Environmental Protection Specialist with over 24 years in the construction industry and as the technical lead for the U.S. EPA’s Indoor AirPlus home certification.

Kevin Kennedy Environmental Health Scientist, Healthy Indoors Training and Consulting, LLC

Kevin Kennedy, an environmental health scientist with over 30 years of experience, founded the Environmental Health Program, leading assessments of thousands of homes and schools to reduce indoor environmental exposures affecting children's health.

Standards

Rooted in industry standards

Pearl SCORE™ aligns with leading standards used across the housing, construction, and real estate markets today.

The point allocations in the Safety Pillar are based in part on the following third-party standards and guidance:

Building Performance Institute (BPI)

RESNET

The point allocations in the Comfort Pillar are based on the following third-party standards and guidance:

The point allocations in the Operations Pillar are based on the following third-party standards and guidance:

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)

National Archives and Records Administration

Subpart C-Energy and Water Conservation Standards

The point allocations in the Resilience Pillar are based on the following third-party standards and guidance:

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Wildfire Prepared Home Designation Home Disaster Guides

American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 24 ASCE 7-22

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Learn more

Building America Solution Center

Disaster Resistance

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

Buyers Guide to Resilient Home

The point allocations in the Energy Pillar are based on the following third-party standards and guidance:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Building Electric Vehicle-Ready Homes

What's next for Pearl SCORE™?

We’ve scored every home in America. Next, we’re developing new tools to help you buy, improve, and sell with more confidence. Get first access — sign-up now.

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