Xcel Energy recently recognized several Colorado builders for their outstanding efforts to help customers save energy and money, while also reducing their environmental impact, by building energy efficient homes. The awards recognized a variety of builders and home energy rating companies in several categories. These 8 companies are part of a group of dozens that work with Xcel Energy's ENERGY STAR® New Homes (ESNH) program.
The ESNH program connects home buyers with resources to build a truly efficient new home and provides incentives for builders to exceed local energy efficiency code requirements by at least 10%. Homes must be evaluated by a Residential Energy Services Network-accredited Home Energy Rating System Rater, the national standards-making body for energy ratings and certifications. Those raters help builders achieve energy savings by providing plan review analysis and on-site verification throughout the construction process.
"All ENERGY STAR New Homes builders in Colorado build good homes. These awards recognize the best of the best, a group of builders committed to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship who should be recognized for building a better home," said Rob Buchanan, Xcel Energy program manager. "We will continue to recognize these outstanding builders and encourage new home buyers to learn more about the benefits of building with energy efficiency in mind."
The companies awarded include Arcxis CO, Black Timber Builders, Burgess Construction Consultants, EnergyLogic, Inc., McStain, Meritage Homes, Sterling Builders, Synergy Builders, and Thrive Home Builders.
ENERGY STAR homes are built with things like higher efficiency heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems, high-performance water heating, energy-efficiency lighting and appliances, and tighter construction featuring air sealing, quality-installed insulation, and high-performance windows. The building process requires inspections before, during and after construction to ensure implementation of all measures.
Benefits of an ENERGY STAR home include reduced energy costs by 10%, fewer maintenance concerns, healthier indoor air quality due to reduced air pollutants, dust, pollen and other allergens, a more comfortable and quieter home with fewer drafts as well as a more consistent temperature, and higher resale value.
For more information about ENERGY STAR New Homes, visit energystar.gov or visit www.xcelenergy.com.
Contact
Michelle Aguayo
Xcel Energy
Media Relations Representative
1800 Larimer Suite 900 Denver, CO 80202-5533
P: 303.294.2300 F: 303.294.2207 E: michelle.aguayo@xcelenergy.com
