EVHA Winners Sorted by Company
|
Able Development Corp. DBA Able
Homebuilders |
Award: 2002 Silver Winner |
Able Homebuilders' 1,856-square-foot home in Sioux City features R-40 ceilings and careful air sealing for energy efficiency. All ductwork is contained in conditioned space, a practice that eliminates wasted energy that occurs when ducts are in unconditioned spaces such as attics or garages. The home qualified as a MidAmerican Energy Advantage new home and was given five stars by the Energy Star for Homes program. |
||
Photo not available |
AF Sterling |
Award: 1998 Silver Winner |
A. F. Sterling Homes has been in business for 10 years and typically builds 300 move-up homes per year. Prices range from $154,000 to $400,000 per home. This home in Tucson, Arizona cost $87 per square foot to build, excluding land. Energy efficient features include R-30 ceiling insulation, R-19 to R-24 walls, a mechanical/passive ventilation system, a programmable thermostat and 12 SEER air conditioning equipment, and a Therma-Tru insulated entry door. To meet homebuyer demand for increased window area, energy-efficient vinyl windows are placed on southern exposures and windows on western exposures are limited. Waste reduction techniques include using wooden I-beams, precut and factory assembled studs and roof trusses, and finger-jointed studs in all non-bearing walls. Pre-engineered structural steel and foam panels were used for exterior wall framing. Recommendations for energy efficiency improvements are made by Volt VIEWtech, Southwest Gas' contractor, using RateVIEW, software approved by the U. S. Department of Energy. The pre-construction computer analysis is followed by inspections during framing and upon completion to ensure that the upgraded standards have been met. A. F. Sterling Homes participates in the Arizona Home Energy Rating System (AzHERS) and the Energy Advantage PLUS (EA+) program sponsored by Southwest Gas. The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association awarded A. F. Sterling Homes with its highest honor, the Builder of the Year Award. |
||
|
All America Homes of
Gainesville, Inc. |
Award: 2005 Silver Award |
|
All America Homes of
Gainesville, Inc. |
Award: 2003 Silver Award |
All American Homes of Gainesville (Florida) has been in the home building business for 17 years and currently builds 10 homes each year. This 3,644-square-foot custom home was built for $94 per square foot, excluding land. In addition to a tight building shell, this home contains many energy features to enhance its performance. Ductwork is completely contained in conditioned space and is sealed with mastic over foil tape. A 2.4-kW solar photovoltaic array provides electricity to the home. The hydronic heating system uses energy provided by the solar hot water system with natural gas back up. A variable speed air handler contributes to the SEER rating of 14+ for the air conditioning system. Radiant barrier roof decking reduces solar heat gain through the attic and large roof overhangs reduce solar gain through windows. High window transoms located beneath the roof overhangs provide daylighting without contributing to solar heat gain. The home features a solar-powered attic fan for energy-free ventilation, a solar water and pool heater (which also contributes to space heating), and solar-powered low-voltage patio lighting. About 85% of the lighting wattage in the home is fluorescent. |
||
|
American YouthWorks/Casa Verde Builders |
Award: 2005 Gold Award |
|
Amhome USA, Inc. |
Award: 2000 Silver Winner |
Amhome USA has been operating for 13 years and builds approximately 24 homes per year. This 2,534-square-foot home in Tampa, Florida, was built for $39 per square foot, excluding land. Amhome USA's insulating concrete form home combines the strength of concrete with the insulating capabilities of foam. Insulated concrete forms create R-37 walls while nine inches of EPS foam between the I-joist roof rafters provide R-50 roof insulation. Exterior doors are rated R-15. Building-shell insulation with a high R-value is augmented by radiant barrier material at the roof to reduce cooling loads. Special solar shading screens on windows further reduce unwanted solar heating. To prevent air infiltration, insulating concrete form panels are sealed together and to the concrete slab with adhesive and foam sealant. Special foam gaskets separate the top plate from the concrete bond beam. An expanding foam sealant is used to prevent air infiltration at the roof apex, where the rigid foam insulation lodged between the roof rafters comes together. A high-efficiency heat pump provides heating and cooling and a 40-square-foot solar hot water system provides about 80 percent of the household's hot water. The builder conducts a preconstruction energy analysis to choose cost-effective energy features. |
||
|
|
AndersonSargent Custom Builder,
LP |
Award: 2006 Gold Award and Builder of the Year
|
|
Applegren Construction, Inc
|
Award: 2006 Silver Award
|
Photo not available |
Arkin Homes, Inc. |
Award: 1997 Winner |
Awarded for the Giovannoni residence located in Great Falls, Virginia. Arkin Homes has been in business for 10 years and typically builds 10 move-up and 10 custom houses per year. BEST PRACTICES This house was the first U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR house in the nation. Energy Star homes are designed to use at least 30 percent less energy than similar homes built to current Model Energy Code (MEC) standards. The house was also given a Five Star rating by the Virginia Home Energy Rating Organization (VHERO). Arkin Homes guarantees that heating and cooling costs will not exceed $135 per month for first two years for this home which has 7,200 square feet of conditioned space. Upgraded features include air infiltration detailing which result in 0.2 natural air changes per hour (ACHnat), as determined by blower door testing. In order to ensure good air quality, a central ventilation system, sealed combustion furnace (92 percent AFUE), and direct-vent water heater were installed. Other energy efficiency upgrades include mastic-sealed ducts with R-8 insulation, a 12 SEER air conditioner, walls framed with 2x6's at 24 inches on center and insulated with R-21 batts, R-38 ceiling insulation, and low-e, gas-filled windows Arkin's marketing materials emphasize the comfort, health, and environmental benefits resulting from improved energy efficiency. One of the materials provided to potential buyers is a list comparing their energy efficiency features to typical construction. |
||
Photo not available |
Arkin Homes, Inc. |
Award: 1996 Winner |
PRODUCTION HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the MODERATE CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Arkin Homes, Inc. of McLean, VA, for the Bellemont model in Hilbreck Springs in Annandale, VA. Arkin Homes, Inc., has been in business for 10 years and builds 30 move-up and custom homes per year. Best Practices Virginia Home Energy Rating Organization, Inc.'s (VHERO) 5 star energy rating identifies this home as the most efficient it can be and enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different homes. The home uses 2x6 exterior wall framing, with two-stud corners, insulated with R-23 blown cellulose, R-38 attic insulation, and low-e, argon-filled windows. The heating system is a 92 percent efficient direct vent-sealed combustion gas boiler with sealed ducts. Domestic water is supplied from a direct vent gas water heater. The home includes a make-up air system. Marketing materials provide detailed explanations of energy-efficiency techniques. Sales representatives are trained on the energy features and the comfort benefits associated with energy efficiency. Arkin Homes recently finished the first designated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Home. |
||
|
Artistic Homes |
Award: 2002 Silver Winner |
Artistic Homes' 1,045-square-foot home in Albuquerque features 2" x 6" studs spaced 24 inches on center--a technique that allows more insulation in the wall cavity than the standard 16 inch on center framing. Walls are insulated to R-23 and the ceiling to R-38. All ducts are sealed with mastic and contained in conditioned space--a practice that dramatically improves energy efficiency. The in-floor hydronic heating system is supplied by the water heater and a 12 SEER air conditioner keeps cooling costs low. A ventilation system introduces fresh outdoor air intermittently. The builder participates in the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program. |
||
|
Artistic Homes |
Award: 2002 Silver Winner |
Artistic Homes' 1,045-square-foot home in Albuquerque features 2" x 6" studs spaced 24 inches on center--a technique that allows more insulation in the wall cavity than the standard 16 inch on center framing. Walls are insulated to R-23 and the ceiling to R-38. All ducts are sealed with mastic and contained in conditioned space--a practice that dramatically improves energy efficiency. The in-floor hydronic heating system is supplied by the water heater and a 12 SEER air conditioner keeps cooling costs low. A ventilation system introduces fresh outdoor air intermittently. The builder participates in the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program. |
||
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2007 Gold Award
|
Earning the honor of 2006 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year after just six years in business, Aspen Homes is outstanding in its field. "We stand behind our homes…each comes with a written energy guarantee" that the home will perform 40 percent better than a home built to code minimum, says company president Rob Sabin. With a year's worth of data collected on over 100 homes, heating energy savings have averaged more than 60 percent. Perhaps the greater-than-expected savings is due in part to the homeowner's appreciation of the value of energy efficiency. The company explains energy-efficiency features to each homeowner at the preconstruction meeting and during a pre-drywall walk-through. Further questions can be answered during one of two walkthroughs scheduled before home completion or the two post-closing walkthroughs. |
||
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2006 Gold Award
|
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2006 Gold Award
|
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2005 Gold Award |
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2005 Silver Award |
|
Aspen Homes of Colorado, Inc. |
Award: 2004 Silver Award |
Aspen Homes of Colorado has been in business for three years. This 2,070-square-foot home was built near Denver for $47 per square foot, excluding land. The EVHA judges pointed to Aspen Homes's strong commitment to energy efficiency, as was evident in the company's follow-through with customers and its energy bill guarantee program. The company uses bio-diesel trucks and purchased a block of wind power for a subdivision. The winning home features blown-in-batt insulation combined with one-inch foam sheathing to provide a wall R-value of 20, with careful attention paid to air-sealing details. All ductwork is located in conditioned space and sealed with mastic. A 92 percent AFUE furnace provides high efficiency heating, and mechanical ventilation ensures fresh air for occupants. All of the company's homes are built under the ENERGY STAR, E-Star Colorado, and Built Green Colorado programs. |
||
Photo not available |
Barco Realty and Development Company |
Award: 1998 Silver Winner |
Barco Realty has been in business for 43 years and typically builds five houses per year including two custom homes. Prices range from $225,000 to $300,000 per home. Construction costs to build this home in Plymoth, Massachusetts were $90 per square foot, excluding land. Energy efficiency features include insulated concrete form (ICF) technology that provides R-26 thermal performance and reduces air infiltration through walls and electrical outlets; Icynene expanded urethane foam insulation in the steel-framed attic to reduce air infiltration from plumbing chases, lighting fixtures, and all other ceiling penetrations. A heat recovery air-to-air heat exchanger provides ventilation and a geothermal heat pump with a desuperheater provides domestic hot water. Marketing materials include newspaper articles promoting this home's use of ICFs and a geothermal heat pump. Brochures from Commonwealth Electric's (COM/Electric) Comfort Homeä Program explain the benefits of this program, including guaranteed energy use through a written warranty. Participation in the Comfort Home program qualifies home buyers for an energy efficient mortgage. |
||
|
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 2002 Silver Winner |
Enviro Custom Homes's 3,705-square-foot inner-city home is constructed of structural insulated panel (SIP) walls and ceiling. In addition to an energy-efficient building envelope, a geothermal heat pump provides very efficient heating and cooling and a heat recovery ventilator efficiently introduces fresh air. A desuperheater that extracts waste heat from the heat pump is combined with solar panels to provide 100% of the domestic hot water. Part of the home's electric needs are provided by solar panels that are attached directly to the standing-seam metal roof. Most of the lighting in the house is fluorescent, a feature that has an added benefit of reducing the homeowner's cooling needs. The builder, in conjunction with the local power company, offers a guaranteed heating and cooling bill of less than $2 per day. |
||
|
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 2000 Silver Winner |
Enviro Solar Homes-a division of BBH Enterprises-has been operating for 15 years and builds approximately 12 starter and luxury homes per year. This 2,696-square-foot house was built near Dallas for $120 per square foot, excluding land. Enviro Solar Homes' award-winning entry features an energy-efficient building shell consisting of low-E, argon-filled wood windows, structural insulated panel (SIP) walls and vaulted roof, and Icynene spray foam insulation in flat ceilings and around the band joist (to seal and insulate this notoriously hard-to-weatherize area). Special care is taken to seal all joints and penetrations against air infiltration. A two-speed ground-source heat pump provides efficient heating and cooling while a ground-source heat pump water heater produces energy-efficient domestic hot water. The lighting package consists entirely of energy-efficient fluorescent lamps and features many attractive lighting fixtures that can accommodate the lamps. The standing seam metal roof contains a low-profile, integrated photovoltaic system for solar-generated electricity. The builder uses passive solar orientation techniques to take advantage of winter solar heat gain and properly sized overhangs minimize unwanted heat gain. A heat recovery ventilator and the use of low-VOC paints and finishes help achieve a high level of indoor air quality. Enviro Solar Homes helps promote energy awareness through participation in TU Electric's E-plus residential energy-efficiency program, an E Seal-certified new homes program. |
||
|
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 1999 Silver Winner |
BBH Enterprises, Inc. has been in business for 14 years and builds 12 homes per year ranging in price from $85,000 to $400,000. Their 1,450 square foot award-winning home in Dallas, TX was built for $64 per square foot. Energy efficiency features of this city infill project include the use of 2 x 6 studs spaced 24 inches on center and an optimum value engineering (OVE) framing technique that reduces lumber use and allows extra room for insulation in cavity walls and at corners. A geothermal system provides efficient heating and cooling and a desuperheater uses waste heat from the geothermal system for water heating. About half of the permanent lighting fixtures in the home are compact or traditional fluorescent. The home was extensively sealed against air infiltration. Rubber gasketing was used under all sill plates and around windows and doors. All sheathing joints were taped and all wall penetrations are caulked or sealed with foam. BBH Enterprises paid special attention to providing a healthy indoor environment for this home's occupants. A heat recovery ventilator brings fresh air indoors while recovering heat from outgoing conditioned air. Low-VOC paints are used throughout the home. The home is oriented to take advantage of solar heat gain in the winter and is shaded by overhangs and deciduous trees in the summer. Stamped concrete floors under the south-facing windows provide thermal mass for heat storage in winter, and TechShield Radiant barrier roof decking keeps attic heat gain minimal. BBH Enterprises guarantees that heating and cooling bills will be less than $1 per day, based on an annual average. The company works with TU Electric's E-Wise Plus new home program, an E Seal certified company, and are in the process of becoming an ENERGY STAR builder. |
||
|
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 1999 Gold Winner |
BBH Enterprises has been in business for 14 years and builds 12 homes per year ranging in price from $85,000 to $400,000. This 4,200 square foot award-winning home in Fairview, TX was built for $78.74 per square foot. Energy efficiency features include the use of Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) walls and Icynene spray foam insulation for exterior (non-SIP) garage walls and the ceiling. All wall penetrations and cracks are carefully sealed with caulk or foam. To maintain a high level of indoor air quality in the airtight home, two heat recovery ventilators bring fresh air into the home and recover heat from exhaust air. Low-VOC paints are used throughout the home. A geothermal system provides efficient heating and cooling. Waste heat is recovered by a desuperheater for water heating. All permanent lighting is compact or traditional fluorescent fixtures and yard lights are powered by photovoltaics. The home is oriented to take advantage of solar heat gain in winter, and overhangs and trees provide shading from the summer sun. Stamped concrete flooring acts as storage for winter solar heat gain that can be released during cooler nights. The company works with TU Electric's E-Wise Plus new home program, an E Seal certified company, and are in the process of becoming an ENERGY STAR builder. |
||
Photo not available |
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 1997 Winner |
Awarded for the Westbrook residence located in Fairview, Texas. Enviro Custom Homes has been in business for 13 years and typically builds six starter and three custom houses per year. BEST PRACTICES Innovative features in this home include a two-zone geothermal heat pump with a desuperheater used to heat domestic hot water with waste heat generated during the cooling mode. Structural insulated panels (SIPS) are used for walls (R-23) and ceilings (R-32). A 90 percent efficient heat recovery ventilator, with a desiccant wheel for dehumidification, is also installed. Electrically operated clerestory windows, which are otherwise inaccessible, allow passive cooling. Stay-in-place foam concrete forms are used for construction of below-grade walls. An active solar system is installed to heat domestic hot water. Other energy efficiency features include gas-filled, low-e windows, air sealing, locating all ducts in conditioned space, and the use of blown foam at the rim joist. Resource efficiency features include the construction of a rainwater and graywater collection system and carpets made from recycled plastic. Attention to passive solar design principles, with the majority of glazing facing south and properly shaded with overhangs and trees, provides heating in winter and reduces solar gains in summer. Before being allowed to bid on jobs, subcontractors must agree to Enviro Custom Home's energy and resource efficiency goals. National press coverage of their houses has eliminated the need for any other marketing efforts. |
||
Photo not available |
BBH Enterprises, Inc./Enviro
Custom Homes |
Award: 1996 Winner |
INNOVATIVE OR ADVANCED HOME in the HOT HUMID SOUTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to BBH Enterprises, Inc., for the model at Esperanza del Sol, a community of affordable 1263-square-foot houses. The company has been in business for 11 years and builds approximately nine starter and custom homes per year. Best Practices Esperanza del Sol was certified as a TU Electric E-Plus home. TU Electric's program was certified efficient and earth smart under the E Seal program, managed by Edison Electric Institute. This home was the first to meet a utility's E Seal criteria. Esperanza del Sol uses an innovative combination of technologies designed for energy efficiency, reliability, and affordability. Highlights of the technical features include airtightness detailing; passive solar design; geothermal heat pumps; a sealed-floor truss supply plenum; and both exhaust ventilation and a small supply-air fan to maintain positive building pressure in summer. Passive solar orientation and maximum daylighting are integrated into urban infill sites, that take advantage of existing infrastructure. Roof overhangs and deciduous tree shading provide maximum passive solar capabilities throughout the year. Energy efficiency in design includes systems-engineered design, computer simulations by an independent energy engineer to estimate energy use, and indoor air quality design featuring controlled ventilation. A bilingual construction supervisor ensures that everyone on the job site understands the process during construction. Resource efficiency includes Optimum Value Engineered (OVE) framing, use of prebuilt floor trusses, cellulose insulation made from recycled newsprint, no-formaldehyde carpet made from recycled plastic bottles, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycling of construction-site waste, and specification of materials from new-growth forests. Signs and brochures advertise the low cost of operating the homes. A warranty assures owners that heating and cooling costs are guaranteed to be less than $1 per day on average. The homes are eligible for energy-efficiency mortgages (EEMs) and financing assistance through the Dallas Affordable Housing Partnership, thus housing families that earn $25,000 per year and up. |
||
|
Best Homes a Division of Davis
Homes LLC |
Award: 2001 Gold Winner |
Best Homes, a division of Davis Homes, LLC, has been in operation for six years and builds 560 homes annually. This 3,012-square-foot house was built near Indianapolis for $26 per square foot, excluding land. It is one of 560 homes built to the same specifications. The building envelope includes low-E, argon-filled windows, R-16 walls, R-38 flat and vaulted ceilings, and two inches of rigid foam slab perimeter insulation. Best Homes uses an independent energy management firm to inspect every home it builds. It guarantees the energy bills for each home and is considering lowering the guar- anteed cost because it has yet to pay a claim against the warranty. |
||
|
Bigelow Group, Inc. |
Award: 2001 Gold Winner |
Bigelow Group, Inc., has been in the home building business for 27 years and builds 150 homes each year. This 1,450-square-foot home was built near Chicago for $60 per square foot, not including land. The Bigelow Group helped control construction costs on this affordable house by using optimum value engineering techniques such as 2" x 4" studs spaced 24 inches on center. Fiberglass batt insulation coupled with foam sheathing was used to create R-19 walls. The tight design was augmented by a continuous exhaust fan for ventilation. The company uses the REM/Design software to analyze cost-effective energy efficiency measures. By creating a high-efficiency building shell, placing all ducts in conditioned space, and using moderately efficient appliances, the builder can offer a three-year guarantee that heating bills will be less than $300 annually |
||
Photo not available |
Bigelow Group, Inc. |
Award: 1997 Winner |
Awarded for a townhouse located in Round Lake, Illinois. Bigelow Homes has been in business for 23 years and typically builds 200 starter units each year. BEST PRACTICES Energy efficiency features include the use of R-7 sheathing on 2x6 walls with R-19 cavity insulation. Low-e, gas-filled windows and air infiltration details such as gasketed drywall are also used. Due to air sealing measures, Bigelow's houses have low natural ventilation rates. Controlled ventilation is proved by a continuously operating exhaust fan. A combination hydronic/forced air heating system circulates water from the water heater to a forced-air coil, eliminating the need for a separate furnace. Bigelow Homes guarantees that annual heating costs will not exceed $200, or they will pay the difference. A typical monthly bill for heating is $16-20. They also sponsor a contest to determine the customer with the lowest annual heating bill. Bigelow employs an energy technician who is kept on-site to ensure that energy efficiency features are properly installed. To reduce construction waste, drywall and aluminum scrap is recycled. A wall section is used in the sales office to demonstrate some energy efficiency features and customers are given a walk-through prior to drywalling, in part to point out any energy-related details that become hidden in the walls. Bigelow conducts homebuyer seminars in which Energy Efficiency Mortgages (EEMs) and energy efficient construction methods are discussed. EEMs allow for a larger mortgage on energy efficient houses, recognizing that utility bills will be lower and ultimately provide a net monthly reduction for utilities plus mortgage. Buyers are given a manual describing proper operation and maintenance of the heating, cooling, water heating, and mechanical ventilation systems. The manual also provides specific information on moisture control. |
||
|
Big Horn Builders, Inc. |
Award: 2006 Honorable Mention
|
|
Bill Eich Construction Company |
Award: 2000 Gold Winner |
Bill Eich Construction Company has been building homes for 25 years and builds ten to fifteen homes per year. The company built this 2,942-square-foot home in Iowa for $85 per square foot, excluding land. Bill Eich Construction Company's award-winning custom home features a frost-protected shallow foundation that, at just 16 inches deep, is insulated around the perimeter with R-10 rigid foam. Two inches of rigid foam insulation located twelve inches below the slab further insulate the foundation. Walls are insulated with Icynene spray foam plus one inch of rigid foam board. The home is air sealed with spray foam insulation, taped foam sheathing joints, and the airtight drywall system. Flat ceilings are insulated with Icynene and blown cellulose for a total R-value of 53 while cathedral ceilings are insulated with Icynene to R-37. Ductwork was designed in accordance with Manual J calculations, the industry standard, and is insulated with fire-rated duct insulation and Icynene and sealed with mastic. Most permanent lighting fixtures are fluorescent. An exhaust-only ventilation system provides a constant supply of fresh air to ensure indoor air quality. A boiler delivers hot water and heat via in-floor radiant heating at the main floor and forced air hydronic heating at the second floor. The home's 320-square-feet of south-facing glass coupled with a concrete floor and 12 inches of gravel under the slab (above the insulation) collect and store solar heat for release at night. The company conserves resources by using engineered wood studs at door and window openings, laminated veneer lumber beams, and engineered I-joists. A horizontal-axis washer saves water resources and water heating energy. |
||
|
Blue Sea Construction Company |
Award: 2005 Silver Award |
Photo not available |
Bob Buckner Homes |
Award: 1998 Silver Winner |
Bob Buckner Homes has been in business for 20 years and typically builds four custom homes per year ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 each. This 3,000 square foot home was built in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at a cost of $75 per square foot, excluding land. Energy efficient features of this home include an R-45 ceiling, R-5 slab perimeter insulation, mastic-sealed ductwork, low-e windows, special air-sealed recessed lights, and a tight building envelope. Ductwork testing indicates leakage of approximately 27 cfm @25 Pascals of pressure compared to leakage of more than 800 cfm found in some residential systems. A geothermal heating and cooling system is used with a desuperheater for domestic hot water. A third-party energy inspector examines the house at several phases of construction to ensure energy efficiency features are properly installed. Waste reduction techniques include framing exterior wall corners and interior partition "T"'s with fewer studs to allow better insulation and using cellulose insulation with more than 75% recycled material content. Marketing techniques include a guarantee that energy costs for heating, cooling, and water heating will not exceed $62 per month at current rates. If the guaranteed amount is exceeded, three times the difference will be paid to the homeowner. A comfort guarantee states that Buckner will replace the "system" at no cost if the homeowner is dissatisfied with the thermal comfort of the home. Bob Buckner Homes informs buyers about EEMs to allow a greater loan amount, recognizing that lower monthly utility bills more than offset higher monthly mortgage payments. Videos and testimonials from satisfied customers are used to highlight energy efficiency benefits. Bob Buckner Homes participates in the EPA Energy Star program and the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company's Geothermal Home program. This home received a Five Star home energy rating. |
||
|
Bob Ward Companies |
Award: 2007 Silver Award |
Bob Ward Companies has focused on energy efficiency for 14 years and has been an ENERGY STAR partner since the program's inception. Remarks company president, Linda Veach, "Buyers deserve homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, kind to the environment, and affordable. Voluntarily acting on these beliefs helps us develop brand awareness and loyalty even before we sell a home." This home was the company's attempt to take energy efficiency "to a new level." Because it typically targets the starter and move-up home market, the company had to carefully select high-tech efficiency features that could be incorporated affordably. "Our homebuyers, who are very cost-conscious, are pleasantly surprised to know that there can be a complete package of energy-efficient features in a home in their price range. For them, this is real added value," says Veach. |
||
|
Bruce Davis, Inc. |
Award: 2001 Silver Winner |
Bruce Davis, Inc., has been in business for 27 years and builds 15 homes per year. This 1,460-squarefoot house was built near Washington, DC, for $57 per square foot, excluding land. Insulating concrete form (ICF) walls rated at R-22, exten- sive air sealing, R-10 slab edge insulation, and R-38 attic insulation form the homeÕs energy-efficient building envelope. An instantaneous water heater that eliminates standby losses, a programmable ventilation system, and a 12-SEER air conditioner contribute to the homeÕs ener- gy efficiency. With these features, the company guaran- tees that energy bills will not exceed $60 per month, on average. The builder participates in ENERGY STAR and the PATH program, a public/private Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing. |
||
|
Cambridge Homes of North Carolina |
Award: 2004 Gold Award |
Cambridge Homes of North Carolina has been in business for seven years and builds 150 homes annually. This 2,550-square-foot home was built near Charlotte for $52 per square foot, excluding land. The judging panel commended Cambridge Homes for its strong commitment to promoting energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. The judges believed that the company's approach to building and promoting energy-efficient production homes will "set an example" for others to follow. The efficiency package includes optimum value engineered framed walls with cellulose insulation, low-E2 windows, and 13-SEER air conditioning. Through the Environments for Living program, Cambridge Homes offers a heating and cooling cost guarantee of $55 per month for the home. The company's HomeSmartz program provides valuable information to prospective homebuyers about each home's efficiency features. AhomeSmartz room in each development is dedicated to educating homeowners about energy efficiency. Cambridge Homes of North Carolina wishes to thank Freddy Skipper of Andy Lewis HVAC, Jim Welsh of Blown Rite Insulation Co., and Sam Magliocca of Keller Building Products |
||
|
Carolina Country Builders |
Award: 2005 Silver Award |
Photo not available |
Carrington Homes, Inc. |
Award: 1996 Winner |
CUSTOM HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the COLD NORTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Carrington Homes, Inc., for a 3,363-square-foot home built in Fishers, IN. Carrington Homes is a custom home builder that has been in business for three years and builds six to 10 custom homes per year. Best Practices The winning home received a 5-star energy rating from the Energy Rated Homes of Indiana program. All Carrington Homes are built to a minimum 4-star level. The benefits of a 5-star level are explained and provided as an option to customers. Energy analyses are presented to customers including a return-on-investment statement (normally less than five years). If the customer selects the 5-star program, Carrington Homes guarantee that heating costs will not exceed a calculated amount per year for three years after move-in. In addition, the rating guidelines make the homebuyer eligible for energy-efficiency mortgages (EEMs). The home has a balanced energy package of R-3 on the outside plus R-11 on the inside of the basement walls. The above-grade walls have R-3.5 rigid foamboard on the outside and R-15 dense batts on the inside. The ceilings are insulated to R-42. A 90 percent+ gas furnace and 12 SEER A/C are required for either a 5- or 4-star home. The home is made airtight by caulking and sealing all conditioned air space from unconditioned air space. All HVAC duct seams and joints are sealed. Tests are performed on the home to ensure superior air comfort and air quality. Integrated ventilation systems are recommended when tightness exceeds specific recommended levels (1400 CFM @ 50 Pa. one story, 1100 CFM @ 50 Pa. two story). A third-party energy management firm performs all inspections. An infra-red scanning test, a blower door test, duct blaster testing, and an HVAC balancing check are among the many inspections performed. Heating costs based on a thermostat setting of 75 degrees are guaranteed for three years in cooperation with Thermo-Scan Inspections (TSI). |
||
|
Carter Construction |
Award: 2005 Honorable Mention |
|
Casa Verde Custom Homes |
Award: 2000 Silver Winner |
Casa Verde Custom Homes has been in business for three years and builds five luxury homes per year. This 3,200-square-foot home in Albuquerque was built for $79 per square foot, not including land. Casa Verde Custom Homes' award-winning home features walls built from concrete post and beam and insulated with straw bales. Perimeter and subslab foam insulation and R-30 to R-60 ceilings complete the insulation package. All ductwork¾used strictly for the evaporative cooling system¾is sealed with mastic and contained within conditioned space to minimize energy losses. An in-floor radiant heating system supplies and distributes heat. Low-water-usage landscaping minimizes reliance on water in the desert climate. The home received the highest possible rating from the Home Builder Association of Central New Mexico's Green Builder program. Casa Verde is active in its HBA and, through its parent company (New Mexico Owner Builder Center), offers courses on many facets of home building, including energy efficiency and straw bale building techniques. Casa Verde works with a local lender to provide customers with energy-efficient mortgages which, in addition to the debt-to-income stretch, offers a 50 percent savings off the origination or discount fee. |
||
Photo not available |
Chesapeake Homes |
Award: 1996 Honorable Mention |
PRODUCTION HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the HOT HUMID SOUTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Chesapeake Homes in Chesapeake, VA. Chesapeake Homes has been building starter and move-up homes since 1991. Best Practices Chesapeake Homes uses both Virginia Power's Energy Saver Home Plus and the ComfortHome Corporation to provide several value-added services. ComfortHome performs heating and cooling design load calculations and equipment sizing as well as blower door testing, duct leakage testing, airflow balancing, and infrared scanning. ComfortHome provides a three-year guarantee of heating and cooling costs as well as a comfort guarantee. Virginia Power provides construction inspections, a comfort guarantee for two additional years, and marketing support, along with a $10 per month rebate on utility bills. Virginia Power's program is E Seal certified. Walls are constructed of 2x4 framing with blown-in R-15 fiberglass insulation and 1/2 inch foam sheathing. "California" corner framing is used to allow insulation at corners. Ceiling insulation is R-38 blown cellulose. HVAC systems are based on high-efficiency heat pumps with a cooling efficiency of 12 SEER. Programmable thermostats are installed. All ductwork is sealed with mastic, with tested leakage of less than 3 percent of conditioned floor area. The electric water heater is insulated with an additional R-10 blanket and placed on an insulated pad. Chesapeake Homes builds with energy-efficiency products and systems to differentiate its homes and communities from those of its competitors. "We [are] determined to prove that a new equation for sales success existed: PITI + Energy = Sales!" The sales force is trained on site by Virginia Power to ensure a full understanding of energy-efficiency features. One goal of Chesapeake Homes is to educate consumers so that customers are armed with questions to ask at competitors' sites. |
||
|
Chisholm Creek Development, LLC
|
Award: 2006 Silver Award
|
|
Chisholm Creek Development, LLC |
Award: 2005 Honorable Mention |
|
Chisholm Creek Development, LLC |
Award: 2000 Gold Winner |
Chisholm Creek Development has been in business for four years and builds 12 starter homes per year. The company built this 1,765-square-foot house near Oklahoma City for $56 per square foot, excluding land costs. Chisholm Creek Development's affordable home features R-5 underslab insulation, blown cellulose insulation in the wall cavities augmented by rigid foam board insulating sheathing, and R-45 blown cellulose attic insulation. Each home is caulked to seal against air infiltration. To eliminate a common source of air leakage, Chisholm Creek Development does not specify recessed lighting fixtures. Heating and cooling is provided by a geothermal heat pump equipped with a desuperheater for low-energy water heating. Water heater tanks are wrapped with R-16 insulation and hot water lines insulated for further water heater energy savings. The home underwent a performance test conducted by the local utility (OG&E) to determine eligibility for the utility's residential efficiency program. Each performance test ensures that a home does not exceed a maximum air and duct leakage rate. The utility company then guarantees that electric utility bills for heating, cooling and water heating will be less than $40 per month. OG&E meters and monitors energy usage each month. Chisholm Creek's creative marketing campaign includes a postcard mailing to targeted customers. In addition, the company, along with OG&E, conducts training seminars for Realtors® and appraisers. |
||
|
Christian Builders, Inc. |
Award: 1999 Gold Winner |
Christian Builders, Inc. has been in business for 27 years and builds 70 homes per year ranging in price from $119,000 to $499,000. Their 2,000 square foot award-winning design was built for $72 per square foot. Energy efficiency features include Andersen Millenium low-e, argon filled windows, highly insulating (R-15) exterior doors, 2 x 6 framing that allowed a thick blanket of insulation to be placed in the wall cavity, and a geothermal heat pump for efficient heating and cooling. Christian Builders used an extensive air sealing package to reduce air infiltration. To keep window heat loss low, no windows were placed on the north side of the home. Engineered wood products were used wherever possible. Window frames were made from 55 percent recycled plastics and 45 percent sawdust, the carpet and carpet padding were made from recycled materials, and OSB sheathing was used on the walls. The home included several features to enhance indoor air quality. A heat recovery ventilator will bring fresh air into the home while recovering 80 percent of the heat from conditioned exhaust air. Paints were free from VOCs and low-VOC varnish was used. Cabinets were made from solid wood or wheat board-a particleboard substitute that contains no formaldehyde-based glues. The garage contains a passive ventilation system to reduce risks associated with carbon monoxide. High efficiency appliances such as horizontal axis washers were chosen for the home. Christian Builders, Inc. Energy House was built by the Suburban Northwest Builders Association as a demonstration for the City of Elk River Minnesota Energy Alley program. |
||
|
Chuck Miller
Construction, Inc
|
Award: 2006 Honorable Mention
|
|
Chuck Miller
Construction, Inc. |
Award: 2005 Honorable Mention |
|
Chuck Miller
Construction, Inc. |
Award: 2004 Silver Award |
Chuck Miller Construction has been in business for five years and builds 10 to 12 homes each year. This 2,149-square-foot home was built near Boise, Idaho for $88 per square foot, not including land. As the EVHA judges put it, Chuck Miller Construction "walks the walk" when it comes to energy efficiency. The judges noted that the company is firmly committed to energy-efficient home construction, resulting in an impressive product from design through homeowner orientation. Walls are framed with 2" x 6" studs using optimum value framing techniques, insulated with spray foam insulation, and sheathed with one-half inch of foam for added R-value. All ducts are contained in conditioned space, with special attention paid to air sealing. A heat recovery ventilation system brings fresh air into the home with little energy penalty. A 92 AFUE furnace, 12-SEER air-conditioning system, and ENERGY STAR appliances complete the energy package. The company participates in the Building America and ENERGY STAR programs. |
||
|
Chuck Miller
Construction, Inc. |
Award: 2004 Gold Award and Builder of the Year |
BUILDER OF THE YEAR: In merely five years of operation, Chuck Miller Construction has built a winning business. The company is committed to efficiency--all of its homes are built to the same strict standards of energy efficiency. Those standards have been developed through careful design, in which features are selected for the energy value they add to a home. The company's success lies not only in the quality of its finished product, but also in its process for continuous improvement. For example, the company: - Uses a systematic quality assurance approach in which energy efficiency details undergo regular inspection; - Fosters relationships with trade contractors and product suppliers; - Encourages employees to participate in continuing education; - Remains responsive to customer's needs, as evidenced by customer testimonials; and - Maintains a website that highlights energy efficiency and the company's pledge to building a high-quality product. Because of Chuck Miller Construction's commitment to energy efficiency and exemplary practices, the company earned the EVHA program's highest honors, 2004 EVHA Builder of the Year. 2004 GOLD AWARD: Chuck Miller Construction, LLC, has been in business for five years and constructs between 10 and 12 homes each year.This 2,800-squarefoot custom home was built near Boise, Idaho, for $86 per square foot, excluding land. Chuck Miller Construction impressed the judging panel tremendously; the panel called the company a great builder that is building great homes from design through [homeowner] orientation. The company's commitment to energy efficiency is evident in this home, which features 2x6 studs spaced 24-inches on center, spray foam insulation with an additional one-half inch of foam sheathing, ductwork sealed with mastic and contained in conditioned space, a condensing furnace, and ENERGY STAR appliances. Chuck Miller Construction demonstrates exemplary marketing and customer relations. All marketing materials, including the company's website, tout efficiency features and include logos of the efficiency programs in which the company participates. All the company's homes are built under the ENERGY STAR and Building America programs. |
||
|
Chuck Miller
Construction, Inc. |
Award: 2003 Silver Award |
Chuck Miller Construction, Inc., of Boise, Idaho, has been in business for four years and builds between six and eight homes annually. This 2,790-square-foot home built near Boise was constructed for $78 per square foot, excluding land. It is one of six homes built to the same specifications. Walls are framed with 2" x 6" studs spaced 24 inches on center and sheathed with OSB and one-half inch of foam for a total wall R-value of 23. Raised-heel roof trusses prevent insulation from being compressed at roof edges and permit R-38 attic insulation to cover the entire roof area. All ductwork is located in conditioned space to increase heating and cooling efficiency. A 92 percent efficient furnace controlled with a programmable thermostat and a power-vented water heater reduce energy consumption. The company participates in the Building America, ENERGY STAR, and Idaho GemStarTM programs. |
||
|
City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department |
Award: 2004 Silver Award |
The City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department has operated for 10 years and constructs between six and 10 homes per year. This 1,500-square-foot home was built for $51 per square foot, excluding land. The judges remarked that this project, which resulted in a very efficient home, should be a model for other city projects throughout the country. The home featured low-E2 windows and 2x6 walls insulated with R-19 fiberglass batts and sheathed with one-inch of foam. Ducts were sealed with mastic and are 90 percent contained in conditioned space; jumper ducts balanced the airflow to individual rooms. To help low-income homeowners buy the energyefficient homes, the city offers its own financing which factors the projected energy bills into loan ratios. New homeowners attend eight hours of free training on home maintenance, including energy conservation. |
||
|
The Cohousing Company
|
Award: 2006 Silver Award
|
|
Colorado Dream Homes, Inc. |
Award: 2002 Gold Winner |
Colorado Dream Homes, a three-time winner of the EnergyValue Housing Award, has improved their designs so much over the years that, as EVHA judge Pat Huelman puts it, "I'm not sure how much further they can go." Colorado Dream Homes signature double 2" x 4" walls filled with R-38 fiberglass batt insulation, an insulating concrete form foundation, R-75 ceiling insulation, and triple pane windows provide the basis for the exceptional efficiency of this home. Indoor air quality is ensured in the tightly sealed home by balanced mechanical ventilation using a heat recovery ventilator. Most of the lighting is fluorescent and Energy Star-rated appliances are used throughout. An on-demand boiler that supplies radiant floor heating completes the efficiency package. The builder is a Built Green Colorado member and a builder of ENERGY STAR labeled homes. |
||
|
Colorado Dream Homes, Inc. |
Award: 2000 Silver Winner |
Colorado Dream Homes has been in business for six years and builds approximately 30 move-up homes per year. This 1,514-square-foot home was built for $80 per square foot, excluding land. Colorado Dream Home's custom home features unique, double, 2- x 4-inch wall construction that easily accommodates R-38 fiber glass batt insulation in the 12-inch wall cavity, resulting in deep window wells that customers enjoy. Insulating concrete forms are used for the foundation walls. Other features include 100 percent recycled-content decking, low-E interior paint, and a horizontal-axis washing machine. The air-sealing package features taped housewrap and spray foam and caulking at all utility penetrations. A 95 percent efficient direct-vent natural gas furnace with programmable thermostat adds to the efficiency package. The home is equipped for the next millennium with battery-powered emergency lighting, a propane powered whole-house generator, and a 425-gallon emergency water storage tank that can be operated with a hand pump. An innovative "Talking House" system allows prospective buyers to drive up to the home and tune their car radio to an AM radio station to hear a short informational piece broadcast from a radio transmitter inside the home. |
||
|
Colorado Dream Homes, Inc. |
Award: 1999 Gold Winner |
Colorado Dream Homes has been in business for five years and typically builds 25 move-up homes per year, averaging 1,700 square feet and selling for $155,000. This 1,315 square foot, one-story house was built in Pagosa Springs, CO (in southwestern Colorado, near Durango) for a cost of approximately $80 per square foot, excluding land. Energy-efficiency features include double-paned, gas-filled, low-e windows and an extensive air sealing package including caulking around windows, between floor and exterior wall plate, and at all electrical penetrations. They used double 2 x 4 exterior walls which allowed R-38 insulation to be placed in the exterior wall cavity in addition to the crawlspace and the attic. A high-efficiency (91 AFUE) gas furnace was used and water warms to room temperature in a storage tank before it enters the water heater. All water pipes (located in the crawlspace) were insulated. All Colorado Dream Homes are subject to a blower door test to determine air leakage. The home's design included Therma-Tru doors with an R-value of 5.25 and a double door entry that provides an air lock to prevents outdoor air from entering the home. A computer drafting program was used to create detailed cut lists that help minimize waste. Scrap wood was donated for firewood or used for blocking. This house is an EPA ENERGY STAR house and received a HERS rating of 94 through the Energy Rated Homes of Colorado HERS program. Colorado Dream Homes provides customers with a brochure explaining the features of energy efficiency mortgages (EEMs). |
||
Photo not available |
Columbia Builders, Inc. |
Award: 1997 Winner |
Awarded for a residence located in Columbia, Maryland. Columbia Builders has been in business for 25 years and typically builds 80 houses per year in the starter and move-up markets. BEST PRACTICES Columbia Builders participates in the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E)-sponsored Energy Wi$e New Home Program. After passing pre-drywall and post-drywall inspections of energy details like duct sealing, wall insulation, and window glass type, along with a blower door test, BG&E issues the builder a $2,000 rebate along with a "Certificate of Authenticity" that is passed to the home owner. The utility company also provides training to Columbia Builder's sales consultants on how to market energy efficiency in home construction. The 2x6 exterior walls are insulated with R-19 fiberglass batts combined with R-4.5 foam wall sheathing. 2x12 framing of cathedral ceilings allows for R-38 ceiling insulation in cathedral ceilings as well as flat ceilings. In Columbia Builders' market, lending institutions allow up to two percent greater debt-to-income ratio for loans on energy efficient homes. Greater usable floor space is achieved by using horizontally vented furnaces and water heaters, which eliminate the need for flue space within the home. Columbia Builders' employees hand-load the builder's own waste management vehicle which allows for close monitoring of the disposal of unused materials. Material orders for future homes are adjusted accordingly if excessive waste is detected. Columbia Builders' marketing efforts feature their commitment to their "Energy System" approach, a complete, whole-house, approach. While Columbia Builders incorporates architectural features that have extensive window areas because of market demands, they minimize the energy implications of these features by specifying high-performance glazing. |
||
Photo not available |
Comfort Home Corporation |
Award: 1997 Winner |
With 15,500 completed homes, 2,968 of which were certified in 1996, and another 12,000 homes committed to the program, ComfortHome® provides a technically advanced voluntary residential energy efficiency program to builders through local utilities. Comfort Home® combines proven energy conservation techniques and a solid marketing approach that makes it easy to build and sell energy efficient and comfortable homes. The ComfortHome® Program, with builder guidelines, training, diagnostic testing and marketing support, is backed by a comfort and energy consumption warranty. The warranty guarantees homeowners that during the first year, ComfortHome® will correct any comfort problems that occur. Heating and cooling energy usage is guaranteed for three years so that any longer-term problems can be corrected if they arise. The ComfortHome® process has demonstrated high levels of construction quality and customer satisfaction. In one customer satisfaction survey, 89 percent of the respondents indicated it was important to them to build or buy a home that met ComfortHome® standards and 91 percent would build or buy a ComfortHome® again. The ComfortHome® Program is E Seal approved and is a U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR ally. It has also been commended by the National Association of Home Builders in keeping with the methodology and procedures associated with their Thermal Performance Guidelines program. The program is listed by Renew America, a coalition of environmental groups, as an outstanding energy savings program, and has been recognized at the state and national level for its improvements in energy efficiency. Builders and home owners in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia and Kentucky currently have the opportunity to build and own a ComfortHome® through the following utilities: Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, PECO Energy, Allegheny Power Systems, Virgina Power Corporation, Jackson Electric Membership Co-op, Coweta Fayette/Carroll EMC, and Kentucky Utilities Corporation. |
||
Photo not available |
Decker Homes |
Award: 1996 Honorable Mention |
PRODUCTION HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the COLD NORTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Decker Homes in Lambertville, MI (Toledo, OH market area) for the 3,445-square-foot Demonstration Model Home. Best Practices Decker Homes looks at the construction of an energy-efficient home as a system that consists of framing, insulation, sheathing, doors and windows, air infiltration control, heating and cooling system ventilation, and moisture control. All Decker homes are certified Owens-Corning Thermal Crafted Homes. All Decker customers receive estimates of heating and cooling costs and are urged to track actual costs for comparison. Roof rafters installed on a "raised plate" on top of ceiling joists allow for placement of insulation at ceiling edges. Emphasis is placed on reducing air infiltration by complete caulking and sealing of doors, windows, utility openings, base plates, electrical wiring, and boxes. Decker develops land as well as builds and lays out developments to emphasize east/west streets and solar access. The company also makes an effort not to disturb mature trees. Decker recycles cardboard and scrap lumber on jobsites. Decker used natural gas demonstration features in the home, including flexible stainless steel gas lines, a natural gas generator, and a natural gas vehicle refueling station. Customers are invited to tour demonstration homes for a fee, the proceeds of which are donated to a local charity. |
||
|
DeLuca Enterprises |
Award: 1999 Silver Winner |
DeLuca Enterprises, Inc. has been in business for 30 years and builds 300 homes per year ranging in price from $130,000 to over $1,000,000. This 1,974 square foot home in Bucks County, PA was built for $72 per square foot, excluding land. Energy-efficiency features of this award-winning home include Therma-Tru doors, factory-assembled wall sections with insulating sheathing, and an air sealing package for all sills, foam seal openings, around windows and doors, and utility penetrations. An energy consultant checked the installation of insulation and tested the home and ductwork for leaks. DeLuca Enterprises worked with PECO Energy, an E Seal certified utility, in the design, inspection, and testing of energy-efficiency features. Through PECO's SmartChoice program, DeLuca offers buyers a ComfortHome Warranty. They educate consumers about energy efficiency features through brochures, a model-scale home in their sales center, and advertisements. Homebuyers can pre-qualify for an energy efficient mortgage (EEM) at the sales center. |
||
|
Dewees Builders, Inc. |
Award: 2000 Silver Winner |
Dewees Builders, Inc., has been in business for one and one-half years and builds three $1,000,000 homes per year. Dewees Builders built this 2,721-square-foot house on Dewees Island, South Carolina, for $190 per square foot, excluding land. Dewees Builders' award-winning home features an energy-efficient building shell that consists of Andersen low-E, gas-filled windows, R-19 floor insulation, structural insulated panel (SIPS) walls, and cathedral ceilings constructed of SIPS. A two-speed, two-zone geothermal heat pump with desuperheater provides energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating. A makeup air damper introduces fresh air into the home. To enhance indoor air quality further, the builder uses low-VOC paints, stains, and floor coverings. Dewees Builders had to surmount several obstacles to work with the home's surrounding environment: a barrier island. The construction site, accessible only by boat, presented serious waste management concerns. In addition to following the stringent Dewees Island Construction Waste Management Plan, which requires source reduction, reuse, and recycling, the builder chipped waste wood for mulch and driveway surfacing. The builder used resource efficient products such as engineered wood. Other resource-efficient features include a rainwater cistern equipped with drip irrigation for landscaping. Dewees Island is one of a few planned, environmentally conscious residential resorts in the United States today. Because of the island's unique environment, both the island and the builder have received a good deal of publicity in publications such as Coastal Living magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. |
||
Photo not available |
Distinctive Homes of Southwest Florida |
Award: 1996 Honorable Mention |
CUSTOM HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the HOT HUMID SOUTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Distinctive Homes of SW Florida for the Inspiration Home, a superluxury custom home. Distinctive Homes builds five custom homes per year and has been in business for two years. Best Practices The house is certified as a Gold Level home under the Build Smart Energy Management Program sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FP&L). Under the Gold Level, FP&L reviews load calculations and Florida Energy Performance Index calculations. The program also includes inspections of insulation, vapor barriers, and heating and cooling systems, and FP&L pressure tests ductwork. The Distinctive Homes entry is unique in its use of about 30 percent glass on the exterior walls. A 14-foot patio roof shades much of the south- and west-facing glass from direct solar gain while preserving the view. The use of low-emissivity and low-transmission glass on windows and doors allows a high level of energy efficiency. The roof system includes a radiant barrier installed under the sheathing and R-38 blown insulation. Insulation thickness is verified by use of depth gages installed before installation. The home incorporates recessed ceiling light fixtures that are airtight and covered with insulation. Cooling is provided by a two-speed air-conditioning system with a SEER rating of 14.3 at high speed and 15 at low speed. Heat recovery from the cooling system provides much of the hot water required in the home. The home is constructed of cement block with an exterior textured finish and steel interior framing. The roof is made of tile with a 50-year warranty. The combined construction makes for a home that can stand up to the worst weather conditions with low maintenance. Distinctive Homes keeps its construction sites clean as part of the Build America Beautiful program sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and Better Homes & Gardens. |
||
|
Dominion Building Group, Inc. |
Award: 2000 Gold Winner |
Dominion Building Group has been building homes for seven years. The company typically builds between three and six 5,000-square-foot, luxury homes each year. This 1,876-square-foot home was built near Norfolk, Virginia, for $82 per square foot, excluding land. Dominion Building Group's award-winning home features insulating concrete form (ICF) walls in which concrete is poured between insulating, stay-in-place forms; an unvented crawlspace with ICF walls; and R-38 attic insulation. All ductwork is contained in conditioned space and sealed with mastic to prevent energy loss. Mechanical equipment and ductwork are carefully sized according to industry standards. That practice takes a little extra work upfront but often reduces initial costs if equipment can be downsized. The home is sealed tightly against air infiltration with foam sealant around window and door frames, at the top plates of interior walls, and at all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC penetrations. A Carrier heat recovery ventilator was installed to bring fresh air indoors while recovering heat from exhaust air. A front-loading washer reduces energy and water use as well as the load on the septic system. Dominion Building Group participates in Virginia Power's Energy Saver Home Plus, an E Seal certified new homes program. The company spends a good deal of time educating its customers about the cost-effectiveness of energy-efficiency upgrades. |
||
Photo not available |
Dominion Building Group, Inc. |
Award: 1998 Gold Winner |
Dominion Building Group has been in business for five years and typically builds three custom homes per year averaging $400,000 each. This 2,800 square foot home was built in Virginia Beach, VA at a cost of $79 per square foot, excluding land. Energy efficiency features include R-21 Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) walls, tinted window glazing, a 12 SEER/7.8 HSPF heat pump, mastic-sealed ducts, a tight envelope, and use of a heat recovery ventilator. R-40 ceiling insulation is achieved by using raised rafters that sit on top of ceiling joists to allow full-depth attic insulation to the exterior of the walls. Particularly in summer, the thermal mass of the concrete walls may result in a somewhat higher effective R-value. Waste reduction techniques include using lumber twice - once for wall bracing and then for interior wall framing. Many fixtures in the master bathroom were reclaimed from the deconstruction of several older homes. Dominion Building Group participates in Virginia Power's E Seal certified Energy Saver Home Plus Program and the Comfort Home Program which provides blower door, duct blaster, flow hood, and infrared scanner testing as well as energy and comfort guarantees. This house was featured in the Tidewater Builders Association's HOMEARAMA in Virginia Beach, VA. |
||
|
Gary W. Dorris, Inc. DBA
Dorris Construction |
Award: 2007 Honorable Mention |
Gary Dorris, president of Dorris Construction, was inspired by this project to alter the way he views home construction. As a builder who strives to "build homes with a focus on quality and an attitude that makes the home building experience an enjoyable one for the customer," Gary Dorris sought to create a home to exceed the customer's expectations. In this case, the homeowner wanted a state-of-the-art green and energy-efficient home, yet the company had not built this type of home before. The builder now realizes that any home can be energy efficient and, with the proper planning and preparation, additional construction costs can be kept to a minimum. |
||
Photo not available |
DPO Construction |
Award: 1996 Honorable Mention |
CUSTOM HOME GREATER THAN 2,001 SQUARE FEET in the COLD NORTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to DPO Construction for the 6,640-square-foot Pusack home in Iowa City, IA. DPO has been in business for 16 years and builds one to two custom homes per year. Best Practices The home received a 5-star energy rating from Energy Rated Homes of Iowa. The estimated energy consumption of this large home is expected to cost only $1,481 a year or $123 a month. Donald P. Otto of DPO Construction describes his experience building the home as an accomplishment that any builder can duplicate with off-the-shelf methods - appropriate insulation, airtight construction with mechanical ventilation, and performance testing. The home incorporates a high level of energy efficiency in the envelope. Exterior walls are 2x6 studs with R-19 insulation batts, 1-inch foam sheathing, and an exterior air barrier with taped joints. Foam gasketing is used under wall plates. Flat ceilings are insulated to R-44 with blown mineral wool insulation, and sloped ceilings are constructed of 14-inch I-joists with R-38 insulation. Two inches of expanded polystyrene foam and a polyethylene vapor barrier are used under the basement floor, and 2 inches of extruded polystyrene is placed on the exterior of basement wall. Windows are double-glazed with low-e, argon-filled glass. Heating is provided by a 92 percent efficient gas furnace with a two-stage gas valve and multispeed blower motor. Cooling is provided by a 13 SEER air conditioner. The water heater is a power-vented gas-fired model. All HVAC ductwork is thoroughly sealed and a central exhaust ventilation system was installed. Pressurization of various spaces in the house was checked, and a slight positive pressure is maintained in the basement to inhibit infiltration of soil gases. Appliances provided in the home include a highly efficient dishwasher. Fluorescent and halogen lighting dominate. During Iowa City's Parade of Homes 10,000 people experienced the comfort of the home and had the opportunity to learn about the details of energy-efficient construction. All advertising incorporates the company's air quality and energy-efficiency focus. DPO finds that his customers are the best sales force. |
||
Photo not available |
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) (E-Seal) |
Award: 1996 Winner |
The NAHB Standing Committee on Energy is proud to recognize E-Seal as this year's NATIONAL VOLUNTARY ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AWARD recipient. E-Seal is managed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and is an electric utility certification process. E Seal criteria represent the highest level of energy efficiency and environmental responsiveness. Through E Seal certified electric utility programs, this winning program supports new home builders, in their efforts to design, build, and market energy--and resource--efficient homes. At its 1995 convention, NAHB adopted a resolution to endorse voluntary energy-efficiency programs that offer builders more affordable alternatives to mandatory codes and standards. The first program to gain NAHB's support is EEI's E-Seal initiative, launched in 1994 to certify electric utility home construction programs. To earn the E Seal, utility programs must specify house construction that exceeds the Model Energy Code by a minimum of 10 percent to a maximum of 30 percent. In addition, utilities must meet a number of other conditions contained in seven required modules and nine optional modules. These modules address important consumer concerns such as renewable energy, indoor air quality, waste management, water quality and conservation, home comfort, and access to energy-efficiency financing alternatives. Thirty-five utilities have committed to E Seal and plan to seek E-Seal certification. NAHB believes that E-Seal will help builders improve their profit margins, partly in response to promotional benefits, technical and financial assistance, and an increased pool of potential buyers who qualify for energy- efficiency financing alternatives. |
||
|
Emerald Homes |
Award: 2002 Silver Winner |
Emerald Homes award-winning 3,000-square-foot home contains many features, including a $53 per month heating and cooling cost guarantee, that set it apart from the competition. In conjunction with the Environments for Living program, Emerald Homes offers R-19 to R-21 walls, R-30 Cocoon blown cellulose ceiling insulation, mastic-sealed ductwork, and airtight recessed can lights. A 14-SEER air conditioner and 90 AFUE sealed combustion furnace help keep heating and cooling costs low while Energy Star appliances complete the energy package. Fresh air is intermittently introduced into the home by programmable ventilation system. |
||
|
Emerald Homes |
Award: 2002 Gold Winner |
Emerald Homes award-winning 3,000-square-foot home contains many features, including a $53 per month heating and cooling cost guarantee, that set it apart from the competition. In conjunction with the Environments for Living program, Emerald Homes offers R-19 to R-21 walls, R-30 Cocoon blown cellulose ceiling insulation, mastic-sealed ductwork, and airtight recessed can lights. A 14-SEER air conditioner and 90 AFUE sealed combustion furnace help keep heating and cooling costs low while Energy Star appliances complete the energy package. Fresh air is intermittently introduced into the home by programmable ventilation system. |
||
Photo not available |
Emerald Homes |
Award: 1996 Winner |
COMMUNITY in the HOT HUMID SOUTH CLIMATE REGION is awarded to Emerald Homes for the New Territory, Sunset Cove Neighborhood in Houston, TX. The company has been in business for eight years and builds 350 move-up homes per year. Best Practices All garden floorplans are built to Houston Lighting & Power's Good Cents standards with 12 SEER air conditioning sealed ducts, an R-6 insulated sheet metal return duct system, and tinted, double-paned window glass to reduce heat gain. Eighty percent AFUE gas furnaces are used. | ||
