Energy Star is 50% better than code minimum.

Here are the specifications from the Energy Star web site:

Air-Source Heat Pumps >= 8.2 HSPF/ >=14.5 SEER/ >=12 EER* for split systems
>= 8.0 HSPF/ >=14 SEER/ >=11 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units

Central Air Conditioners >=14.5 SEER/ >=12 EER* for split systems
>=14 SEER/ >=11 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units

Gas Furnaces Key Product Criteria Rating of 90% AFUE* or greater

High efficiency is a relative term with no formal definition. You should ask the builder the model numbers of the equipment he plans to use. The model numbers of Energy Star rated products can be found at energystar.gov.

I'm guessing high efficiency means absolutely nothing. Energy star is not exactly a hard thing to hit.

high efficiency here in La. is 30% better than code.
with hvac it is 14 seer minimum

50% better than code is a hard thing to hit.

Here in La. it usually 15 seer and higher, efficient water heater foam encapsulated attic, and windows
with shgc of .30 or less. Tightness of the house
is a big factor also.

to get a reluctant builder to build better than
code is hard, to make him do 50% better...is
a chore.

this is why builder's challange is pitched to
builders.
better to get builders to make it a standard
for every house they build, than to educate
the homeowner for the one house he/she will build.

the builder or homeowner has to hire an
energy rater to advise & verify efficiency
of house.
Home Energy Rating Score (HER's) rating is
manditory for energy star.