The Nevada Department of Business & Industry’s Housing Division has been notified by ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes that the Division will be receiving ENERGY STAR’s award of ‘ENERGY STAR for Homes Leadership in Housing’.  This award is based upon the Nevada Housing Division’s sponsorship of 414 ENERGY STAR qualified homes during 2007.

“Conservation is one of the essential strategies in my effort to make Nevada energy independent,” Governor Jim Gibbons said.  “This award recognizes the state’s efforts in helping ensure strong energy conservation, and I’m proud that the Housing Division is being recognized for its programs that promote conservation in residential construction.”

One of the Housing Division’s criteria for all its bond and tax credit projects is that the builder’s of residential units meet the standards for energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR’s guidelines. 

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR rating must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30% more efficient than standard homes.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features, such as effective attic insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances.                                                                                  

New homes that qualify as ENERGY STAR provide greater comfort and durability for home buyers.  In addition, ENERGY STAR qualified homes help protect the environment by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming.     

The Housing Division’s sponsorship of 414 homes is equivalent to:  eliminating the emissions from 289.80 vehicles, saving 158,976 pounds of coal, planting 41.40 acres of trees, and saving home owners $185,058 on their utility bills.

For more information on the Nevada Housing Division, its energy efficient measures and its weatherization program guidelines, go to the Division’s web site at www.nvhousing.state.nv.us and click on the bond program and weatherization program links.