One-third of CO's 2009 new homes qualified as EnergyStar

Nearly one-third of new homes built in Colorado in 2009 were ENERGY STAR qualified, according to new information released by the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). This data is the latest to show how homebuilders and home buyers in the state are increasingly embracing the multiple benefits associated with the construction and purchase of energy-saving homes.
 
This marks Colorado's third consecutive year of double-digit percentage increases in homes that qualify as ENERGY STAR. When Governor Bill Ritter's Energy Office initiated the ENERGY STAR New Homes program in 2007, market penetration of ENERGY STAR New Homes was just under 8 percent. That level increased to 19.4 percent in 2008 and reached nearly 33 percent last year. In all, 2,350 new homes in Colorado earned the ENERGY STAR label in 2009, making them an important part of the state's New Energy Economy. 
 
"Even in this challenging housing market, our homebuilders and many community partners are embracing the advantages of ENERGY STAR New Homes," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). "Under Governor Ritter's leadership, Colorado has gone from lagging to leading the nation in efficient new home construction."
 
The success of Colorado's program recently earned recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which for the second straight year named Colorado an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The GEO credits the hard work of more than 50 community sponsors - including local governments, non-profits, utilities, real estate professionals, homebuilders and home energy raters for the honor.
 
Energy-efficient ENERGY STAR New Homes are typically 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes, improving quality and comfort while reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Once built, the home must have an energy audit certified by an independent Home Energy Rater who is responsible for conducting onsite testing and inspections of installed measures, such as insulation, high performance windows, building envelope, duct systems and efficient heating and cooling equipment.
 
"In today's housing market homebuyers are expecting quality and demanding energy-efficient homes," said Zane DeHerrera, Chief Marketing Officer for Richmond American Homes. "Building an ENERGY STAR qualified home is not only a key selling point, it's a win-win for everyone."
 
The EPA has linked significant cost and pollution savings to its ENERGY STAR program. Last year alone Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles. Energy efficient homes conserve U.S. energy resources, bolstering our energy security and reducing pollutants associated with energy production. Making a home more energy efficient is one of the most important steps a person can take to have a positive impact on the environment.
 
Earlier this year, the GEO announced a growing slate of new partnerships with organizations comprising more than 120 local governments, nonprofits, homebuilders and others. The GEO is also teaming with Bank of Colorado on a pilot program to offer an ENERGY STAR mortgage on new and existing homes. The GEO and some local utilities are also providing a rebate to homebuilders for new homes that qualify as ENERGY STAR.
 
For more information on financial incentives for ENERGY STAR homes, visit: http://www.coloradoenergystarhomes.com/