Archive for July, 2009

American Clean Energy and Security Act

I have written posts in the past about their being more comprehensive legislation for owning energy efficient homes in the horizon. The American Clean Energy and Security Act which passed the House in June is an excellent start but as expected it has it opponents. I am certainly open to debate and weighing the pros and cons of any type of initiative, however, there is nothing that aggravates me quicker than when misinformation and fear is used to validate a position. To that end, this Bill does indeed address guidelines for energy efficient new construction and incentives for retrofits but it DOES NOT require a home energy audit for a homeowner to list and sell their home.  This misinformation is being spread via political speeches and on Twitter in an effort to get a public rally against it.  Click here for a quick explanation of what the bill does and does not do.  If you disagree with this bill, I would love your input but at least lets start our discussion with a foundation of factual information.

Green Building Permits in Nashville

Metro recently rolled out a program for builders that allows them to pull a green building permit if they intend to build their homes with the LEED, Earth Craft, or NAHB Green Building certifications.  Why would this matter?  Well the incentive is that your permit is expedited and remains expedited through the inspection process which should greatly improve the ability of the contractors to stay on schedule and plan for subs.

A great question is whether or not metro codes inspectors are qualified to be making inspections on green building standards.  The answer is not really and all they will be checking is that the building process is being completed to current code’s standards.  The reason the builder must be working with one of these three green builder certifications is because all three require 3rd party inspections to verify the builder is indeed including the green building components and materials required to get these certifications.   It’s also one more way, we as Realtors can inform buyers about what types of materials and processes have gone in to making this home green as long as we are educated about these building programs which will greatly diminish the issue of “green washing.”

For more information here is a link to metro’s green permit web page

EPA Announces Increase In Energy Star Homes for 2008

Below is an exciting press release forwarded to me yesterday about Energy Star Construction.   I have sited in previous posts a preference to the LEED building program because it’s more comprehensive.  However, I want to reiterate that Energy Star Homes can make a significant improvement to both the environment and the quality of air we breath and is a worthy program.  I am posting exerts that apply to our area so this is not the release in it’s entirety.  In addition, for a really cool snap shot of how both our state is fairing in comparison to other states, this is a fantastic link that will permanently live on my links page.  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=qhmi.showHomesMarketIndexEPA Announces Energy Star Homes Reach Nearly 17 Percent Market Share for 2008 

Quarter Billion Dollars in Annual Utility Savings for Energy Efficient Homes

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that nearly 17 percent of all single-family homes built nationally in 2008 earned EPA’s Energy Star label, up from 12 percent in 2007. Both home builders and home buyers are continuing to invest in high performing homes that save consumers money on their utility bills and help protect the environment.  

“Every year more Americans decide to cut their energy bills and help keep the air clean in their communities by buying a new home that has earned EPA’s Energy Star.  Features like properly installed insulation, high-performance windows and high efficiency heating and cooling can reduce home energy needs by 20 to 30 percent, saving American families thousands of dollars on their utility bills,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.  “Even in a difficult market, the interest in Energy Star qualified homes keeps rising.  We’re helping builders and home buyers to protect the environment, safeguard our health, and move the country into a low-carbon energy future.” 

Nearly 940,000 Energy Star qualified homes have been built to date, with more than 100,000 of these constructed in 2008.  In 2008 alone, American families living in Energy Star qualified homes locked in annual utility bill savings of more than $250 million — saving over 1.5 billion kWh of electricity and 155 million therms of natural gas while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of nearly 350,000 cars annually.  

To earn the Energy Star label, homes must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by EPA.  Typically they include energy-saving features such as:
•          Effective Insulation Systems
•          High-Performance Windows
•          Tight Construction and Ducts
•          Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
•          ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting and Appliances 

Governor Bredesen is going green too!

The Nashville Post reported today that Bredesen is signing in to law some fairly comprehensive environmental policy that includes improvement of residential building standards.  I am curious to see what it involves so more to come on this but for now, here is the article.  

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2009/07/06/daily17.html?ana=from_rss

Tennessean Article on LEED

  I found this article in the TN this morning about LEED which is one of the more stringent certifications a builder can apply for when it comes to green.  I like the program a little better than Energy Star because it’s more comprehensive.  Some examples of areas it focuses on are construction waste, energy efficient construction and products, indoor air quality, storm water management, indigenous low maintenance landscaping,  and location to public transportation.    Energy Star is  a great program but it’s primary focus is on energy efficiency, some water efficiency, and indoor air quality.  

However,  LEED can be costly for builders to produce which is indeed passed on to the consumer so it’s rare to see LEED under 200k in the residential sector.  Energy Star building costs are very comparable to traditional building costs and you can find them in more affordable price points. 

That is my very succinct explanation of a couple of  the certification programs featured locally that utilize green building technologies and methods.  To that end, here is the article on some of the LEED products becoming available in Nashville.   I am excited to see it because I have been studying green building for a few years now and it appears the momentum is shifting in our direction.  You as a consumer can not only benefit from the environmental advantages but also the potential savings in energy costs and capitalize on future demand by considering the purchase of these types of products ahead of the proverbial curve. 

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090706/NEWS01/907060332/Middle+Tennessee+builders+show+off+green+credential