New York ENERGY STAR® Homes Catching On

March 2004

Builders in New York have responded to the popularity of ENERGY STAR labeled homes by building more than 1,500 of them in 2003, and more than 2,300 since 2000. The New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home initiative is sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is implemented through its New York Energy $mart^SM Program. The goal for 2004 is to build 2,500 more homes.

"A New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home offers homeowners a more comfortable, healthier living environment, while saving money on their energy bill," said Peter Smith, acting president of NYSERDA. "Exceeding our annual goal proves that this message is getting across to consumers." The homes use 30% less energy than conventionally built new homes.

New York has some of the most stringent standards for ENERGY STAR labeled homes. Each home must pass a rigorous evaluation by a Home Energy Rating System evaluator, including computer-based energy analysis, inspections, and certification testing to verify performance. This helps ensure that the home is properly insulated, well ventilated with high performance heating/cooling systems, and that all the cracks and gaps in the home are well sealed. Each qualifying home receives an ENERGY STAR designation from the EPA, which is a point of distinction for the homeowner and proof that the home will perform to high-efficiency energy performance levels.

There are also environmental advantages. New York ENERGY STAR labeled homes constructed to date have saved nearly a million kilowatt hours, or enough electricity to power nearly 170 homes for a year. Since the average home pollutes more than the average car, home energy use accounts for more than 20% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. However, just one ENERGY STAR labeled home can keep 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air each year.

Interested homeowners or builders can call 877-697-6278 or visit New York Energy $mart.