Local Builders Investigate Green Building
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9 , 2008
Local Builders Investigate Green Building
West Chester, PA- The Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties recently hosted a seminar on Cost Effective Green Building Techniques, presented by Building Scientist Steve Easley. He discussed a variety of ways for residential home builders to incorporate green building techniques at a cost effective level, and reinforced the benefits for builders to “go green.”
According to Easley, there are many ways to build a “sustainable” home with out breaking the bank. “One great and economic way to build green is to use Energy Star Qualified Homes,” using this method a builder can earn as many as 38 points toward green certification through the NAHB National Green Building Program, as well as receive up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. “A home builder is 99% of the way to a green certified home if they use Energy Star,” said Easley.
While builders struggle with the decision to “go green” Easley reminds them that staying competitive means investigating green building. “Builders must remember green building is no longer a fad,” Easley stated. It is here to stay and the demand is going to continue to grow. He also cited a McGraw-Hill study, which predicts a rise in green building to 10% of homes from the 2% today.
The HBA of Chester and Delaware Counties has set up a Green Building Task Force to examine the local, state and national green building programs in an effort to better educate members about the green building industry. HBA Executive Vice President, Michael McGee outlined the goal of this task force, “there are a number of standards in existence that could confuse builders and consumers. We want to explore the cost and benefits of these programs and provide guidance as to which standard provides the biggest benefits at the most reasonable cost.”
The Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties (HBA) is a professional trade organization comprised of more than 450 companies involved in every aspect of the new home construction process. The HBA advocates for public policy initiatives and sustainable building techniques that balance the need for strong economic growth and environmental protection. The HBA dedicated to providing and protecting the American dream of home ownership for current and future generations.
CONTACT:
Kira Barbieri
kirab@builderpa.com
(610) 692-7733
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