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Central Florida Gas Promotes Energy Efficiency
By Scott Ranck
Energy Plus Partner Representative
State Certified Energy Rater I
Central Florida Gas
Over the past year and a half, Central Florida Gas, has incorporated into our Energy Plus Home Program, ENERGY STAR® New Homes Qualification as well. It has been our privilege introducing many of you to the Central Florida Gas Utility Sponsored Program. Many builders have become ENERGY STAR New Homes Building Partners and are now beginning to reap the rewards. Our building partners have been able to easily meet and exceed the new Florida Building Code. Conservation rebates, enhanced marketing opportunities, sold homes and qualifying for the $2,000 tax credit have been some of the other benefits. This article will highlight three PCBA member builders who have completed their first ENERGY STAR Qualified Home! Congratulations on your achievements!!
Partnership Strengthens Sustainable Housing in Florida
By Edie Ousley
Green is no longer just another color. Just like location, location, location…green is now one of the primary considerations when building a new home. While green building has been around for years, its popularity has only grown in recent years as more and more consumers have learned the value of investing in green.
Florida Demands Optimal Windows
By Bruce Lang
Florida home builders know that windows in Florida must block solar heat to reduce air conditioning operating cost. They also know that high light transmission is important to homeowners who don’t want to tradeoff darkened interiors for heat reduction. What they may not know is that glass also capable of superior insulation performance helps reduce the cost of air conditioning.
Carbon Footprint Issue Gains Steam
By Linda Tozer
Just when you thought you had green building all figured out, “carbon footprint” entered the discussion. With green products and awareness increasing in sophistication, consumers’ perceptions of what is green have evolved. Armed with that knowledge they now are managing purchasing and energy choices with the environment in mind. Suddenly, the question “How green are you?” has taken on new importance.
Building Green Makes Sense
By William C. Hill
Lately there has been a lot of talk (and a lot of resistance) to building green. Really, though, in today’s environment, it only makes sense for a builder to build a home at a competitive price that maximizes customer satisfaction and builds the best home possible.
FGBC Certification: Avoid Key Mistakes
By Stephanie Thomas-Rees
In 2006, the Florida Home Builders Association signed an agreement to support the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). Since then, FHBA members have been looking to attain the FGBC Green Home Certification for their homes. As with any new program, there are always common questions and mistakes.
Understand, Maximize ‘Green’ Opportunities
By Arlene Zavocki Stewart
LEED, GBI, FGBC, ENERGY STAR, oh my! Confusion abounds as “green” building is expected to exceed $12 billion in 2007, according to McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics. Here’s a brief primer on who’s who to get you familiar with this growing trend.
Resources Offer Paths To Efficient Windows
By Arlene Stewart
The Efficient Window Collaborative has released three new “tool kits” for builders, designers and window manufacturers this spring.
Appliance Standards Upgraded January 23
By Arlene Stewart
This Q&A-formatted article is designed to alert builders to the new federal law that will affect the energy efficient standards of their appliances.
Energy Star Windows Can Earn Tax Credits
By Arlene Stewart
First, credit where credit is due. The information provided in this article came primarily from Harry Misuriello, Director of Utilities and Buildings, for the Alliance to Save Energy.
New Regs May Change Your Window Choices
By Arlene Stewart
Year 2006 will bring many changes for Florida builders when it comes to energy efficiency. It’s a good time to revisit your window choices because products that were not cost effective yesterday, just might be today with the changing market conditions cause by a federal HVAC change.
Achieving Leak-Free Ducts For Energy Code Compliance
By Jon Klongerbo
Recent changes in the Florida Energy Code may require builders to re-evaluate energy efficiency measures included in their homes in order to pass code.