EPA recognizes local Energy Star partnership

The Environmental Protection Agency named Nevada Energy Star Partners a 2004 Energy Star Partner of the Year for its 2003 advertising campaign, "Things Are Heating Up É Think Energy Star."

The selection was based on the group's efforts to promote energy-efficient technologies, communicate the benefits of energy savings to consumers and businesses, and encourage others to partner with Energy Star. The award, sponsored annually by the EPA and the Department of Energy, will be presented March 2 in Washington, D.C.

According to Nevada Energy Star Partners, 2003 saw consumer awareness of Energy Star homes reach 76.2 percent; the number of such homes reach 46.4 percent of an estimated 24,000 new homes in the valley; more than one-third of all new-home communities in the valley offer Energy Star homes; and Summerlin, a master-planned community, commit to building only Energy Star homes.

"Thanks to the commitment of more than 35 partners ... the campaign results are significant and impressive," Steve Bottfeld, a representative of Nevada Energy Star Partners, said. "The current conservation-oriented mind- set of Nevada consumers has also contributed to the campaign's success. Our goal for 2004 is to make Las Vegas the first 50 percent Energy Star major market in the country. While it's ambitious, we believe we've got enough momentum to make it happen."

New homes can earn the Energy Star seal if they use at least 30 percent less energy for heating, cooling and water heating than a standard home based on the Model Energy Code. The efficiency of a home is verified by an independent certified rater.

Among the advantages to buying an Energy Star home are lower utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and eligibility for an energy-efficient mortgage.

Home-builder members of Nevada Energy Star Partners are: American Premiere Homes, Amstar Homes, Astoria Homes, Beazer Homes, Centex Homes dba Real Homes, Concordia Homes, Del Webb Corp., Desert Wind Homes, Distinctive Homes, Greystone Homes/Lennar, Hearthstone Homebuilders, KB Home, Nevada Homes Group, Pardee Homes, Perma-Bilt Homes, Pulte Homes, Royal Construction/Spinnaker, Signature Homes and Westmark Homes.

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