Survey Shows Energy Efficient Homes Gaining Popularity

A survey conducted by Green Builder Media shows what we have seen first hand over the past couple of years, consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of owning an energy efficient home. The Consumer Green Preferences Survey was conducted in March with a sample size of 582 adults from around the country. The goal of the survey was to understand what people want when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency, purchasing patterns, etc.

The results are good news for builders who have implemented an energy efficiency program , whether it be ENERGY STAR® Certification or the HERS Index Program. Of those polled, 79.8%  said they would look for a green rating (i.e a HERS rating) when buying a new home, 85% of those people said that they believe an energy efficient home would sell faster.  Also, when asked what comes to mind when they think of green living, 4 out of 10 people ranked energy efficiency as the first thing.

For builders that haven't started building energy efficient homes yet, the survey results are a good indication of where consumers are headed.

* Image courtesy of Green Builder Media

SkyeTec Recognized with a 2013 Leadership in Housing Award from the EPA

SkyeTec is pleased to announce that we have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2013 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the important contribution we've made to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by verifying 3,126 ENERGY STAR® certified homes last year. Collectively, these homes will save our customers approximately $1,256,652 on utility bills and reduce 14,517,144 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. 

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes are more than 30% more efficient than a standard new home.

SkyeTec works hard throughout the year to make it easy for builders throughout the U.S. to build energy efficient homes, and we plan to verify even more homes for 2013.

For more information on  the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program click here,  or for more information on SkyeTec's ENERGY STAR Certification services, click here.

Earn Rebates with Georgia Power's EarthCents® New Home Program

Thanks to the EarthCents® New Home Program from Georgia Power, Georgia builders and developers can  build energy efficient homes and earn money for doing so. This program is available for both single-family and multi-family homes and was designed as an incentive to build energy efficient properties.

Qualifying for the rebate is easy, simply implement a HERS program and work with an energy rater to ensure that the homes earn the required HERS Index score of 77 or less. The home must also be served by Georgia Power and have all electric heating and water systems.

• Single family homes-$600 per home. Plus an additional $250 rebate is available for homes with a heat pump water heater or a solar water heater.

• Multi-family properties- $150 per unit

Builders that implement a HERS program also receive valuable market differentiation by being able to market the home's HERS Index score. Plus, potential homebuyers are able to clearly see how their home performs and how much they could save on energy costs annually.

Builders can further boost their market differentiation by cost-effectively adding on a moisture prevention program to the HERS program. A moisture prevention program helps to reduce warranty costs, liability, and customer complaints by ensuring that the home is free of any mold or moisture issues throughout the construction process.  Homebuyers are given peace of mind knowing that their new home isn't hiding a costly mold or moisture problem.

With such a great rebate program and the valuable benefits of the HERS program,  there's no reason not to build energy efficient homes in Georgia.