Albany, NY – April 7, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) received the 2010 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work to promote energy-efficient construction and environmental protection through its New York ENERGY STAR Homes Program.
More than 16,000 energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly homes have been built since the program began in 2001. New York ENERGY STAR homes are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes and 15 percent more efficient than the national ENERGY STAR standards set forth by the EPA. The program has saved residents over $12 million a year on energy bills, and cut electricity by 18.7 million kilowatt-hours (enough to power 3,100 homes for a year), and saved 898,590 MMBTUs of fossil fuel to date.
Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA said, “Building energy-saving features into new homes is one of the best long-term investments home buyers can make for reducing their energy costs and their impact on the environment. Working with our partners in the construction industry, NYSERDA is proud of our efforts to make New York a cleaner state for the future.”
During the economic downturn, the New York ENERGY STAR Homes market share has been steadily increasing, reaching approximately 24 percent of the 1-4 family new residential construction market as of the end of 2009. Nearly 2,100 New York ENERGY STAR Homes were built in 2009, allowing owners to avoided nearly $1.5 million in energy costs last year while saving 3.2 million kWh of electricity and 101,192 MMBTUs of fossil fuels. It is estimated that owners of New York ENERGY STAR Homes spend nearly $1,000 less per year than owners of conventionally built homes
New York ENERGY STAR Homes incorporate improved air sealing and insulation techniques, high-quality windows and doors, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and well-sealed duct systems. Not only do New York ENERGY STAR Homes save energy, they make for a more comfortable, durable and healthier home. New York ENERGY STAR Homes must pass a stringent evaluation, including computer-based energy analysis and inspection performed by a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater. Only homes that meet the Program’s high-efficiency standards can earn the label of a New York ENERGY STAR Home.
Earlier this year, NYSERDA won the Sustained Excellence award from the EPA for its accomplishments in energy efficiency and environmental protection.
“Energy Efficiency is a cornerstone of New York’s energy policy. As we continue our commitment to increasing energy efficiency, we view our ENERGY STAR partnership as an important way to join in the fight to address climate change and reduce energy consumption in New York State,” said Murray.
“EPA is privileged to work with a diverse group of utilities, state programs, and home builder associations who effectively support ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes,” said Sam Rashkin, National Director of ENERGY STAR for Homes. “Thanks to the leadership of these sponsors, home buyers across the country have greater access to ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes that cost less to own while improving comfort, indoor air quality, durability, and our environment.”
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York’s most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State’s economy. For more information about NYSERDA, please visit www.nyserda.org or call 1-866-NYSERDA.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings, and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
CONTACT: Colleen Q. Ryan, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3359; cqr (at) nyserda (dot) org
