Buildings

March 21, 2007

EPA Names Advanced Energy 2007 Energy Star® Partner of the Year®

RALEIGH – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Advanced Energy a 2007 Energy Star Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by building energy-efficient low income homes. Advanced Energy’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 21, 2007. An Energy Star partner since 2001, Advanced Energy is being honored for homes built in the low income or affordable housing market that meet EPA’s strict guidelines for energy-efficiency.

To date, Advanced Energy has helped N.C. developers and builders produce 1,236 Energy Star homes for low-income families through its high performance System Vision building program. The construction of these houses was made possible by funding from the N.C. State Energy Office and from federal funding supported by U.S. Congressman David Price. Houses were built through partnerships with the N.C. Housing Finance Agency and with the N.C. Community Development Initiative.

“We know that building energy efficient homes are a win for consumers and the environment,” said Brian Coble, director of Advanced Energy’s affordable housing program. “Our homes offer comfort and reliability, all while saving consumers money and protecting the planet. Our partnerships with low income developers and builders make this possible.”

Energy Star qualified new homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling and water heating – homeowners can expect to save about $200 to $400 annually on their utility bills. Currently more than 5,500 builders across all 50 states are constructing homes that meet EPA’s regulations for energy efficiency. More than 500,000 families now live in Energy Star qualified homes.

The 2007 Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to the creation of energy-efficient homes. Homes that have earned the Energy Star benefit the environment by providing homeowners with quiet and comfortable homes that save money on utility bills. Winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program. Advanced Energy is one of three North Carolina organizations to receive this national recognition. The state’s other winners are Anderson Homes and Raleigh-based Southern Energy Management, a provider of builder contract services and building partner of Advanced Energy.

Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $14 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 25 million vehicles.

“Partners like Advanced Energy are building a new generation of homes that reduce our impact on the environment,” said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Each Energy Star qualified new home prevents 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year, while giving homeowners greater comfort and lower energy bills.”

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