|
Boise-based Fireside Homes is building what the company says will probably be the first LEED-certified gold-rated home in Idaho. |
USGBS Awards Boise Home LEED Gold - April 25, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The
for Green Homebuilding
“The U.S. Green Building Council is proud to help celebrate Mark L. Hixson, Design-Builds’ commitment to greener living,” said Michelle Moore, Senior Vice President of Policy & Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. “Their leadership – demonstrated at
Located in
Used concrete masonry, Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, recycled fiber carpet, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified sustainably harvested lumber were used throughout the house. As a result of incorporating energy saving products and technologies,
About the
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Since UGSBC’s founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 14,500 member companies and organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED® green building rating systems, an expansive educational offering, the industry’s popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo (www.greenbuildexpo.org), and a network of 77 local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
About LEED® for Homes
LEED® for Homes is a third-party certification system for high-performance green homes. Developed and administered by USGBC, LEED for Homes awards points to projects in seven categories of environmental performance: Location & Linkages, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy & Atmosphere, Homeowner Awareness, and Innovation and Design. To date, more than 540 homes have been LEED-certified, and over 13,000 have been registered and are under development. For more information, visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org.
A green home can still be beautiful - April 7, 2008
Doing the right thing for the environment doesn't have to mean giving up luxury or comfort
OnPoint is Making a Difference in the Valley - April 7, 2008
Last year OnPoint, LLC certified 145 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes
This is equivalent to:
|
Rubicon Homes Announces - March 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rubicon Homes Announces “Go Green to Save Green”
Boise, ID – (March 11, 2008) – Rubicon Homes, the builder of the first LEED Homes in Valley County announces today their “Go Green to Save Green” home purchase initiative for their Cabarton Townhome development in Cascade, Idaho.
“We at Rubicon are such firm believers in the energy efficiency of our town homes and long term savings they can provide, that we are willing to pay for all utilities including gas, electric, water and sewer bills for 1 full year on any home purchase made between now and May 15th.”Nic Stover, president and founder of Rubicon Homes.
In addition, to further support the community of Cascade in seeking out eco-friendly options to local travel and to encourage alternatives for short commutes into town, Rubicon is also including 2 free Novara Corsa commuter bicycles with any purchase during this limited time period. Prices start at $225,000. Townhome tours can be arranged by contacting Nic Stover at 208-575-6743 or nic@rubicondevelopment.com
Using Systems Built Technology, Rubicon started and completed these 6 townhomes in January 2008 to standards above and beyond local building codes and above national standards of the Energy Star Program. These town homes are designed and built for LEED Gold certification.
Some of the high performance features of these homes include:
Ø R-68 formaldehyde-free Attic Insulation (vs. R-30 standard)
Ø R-38 formaldehyde-free Floor Insulation (vs. R-30)
Ø Carbon Monoxide Detectors on both floors
Ø Radon Vent
Ø Low carbon emitting paints
Ø Airtight Seals on Heating System (Save up to 20% on heating bills)
Ø Energy Star Appliances (Use 10-50% less water and electricity)
Ø Compact Fluorescent Lights (Use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer)
Ø Low Flow Faucets in Bath Sinks (20% reduction in water)
Ø Thermal Efficient Windows
Ø Thicker Walls (6" vs. 4")
Ø High Efficiency Furnace (thicker filter vs. standard, and 15% more efficient)
Ø High Efficiency water heater
Systems Built Construction is a highly engineered approach to home construction using customized, pre-built home modules constructed in a climate-controlled environment. The technology is more environmentally friendly and efficient which resulted in 35% less construction debris, of which 68% was recycled.
About Rubicon Homes
Rubicon Homes strives for the most time efficient and environmentally friendly methods of construction for single and multi-family homes. Founded by Nic Stover in 2007, Rubicon is fully committed to delivering the highest quality, LEED and Energy Star certified Systems Built homes, backed by a 10 year structural warranty. Stover’s construction and development experience comes from his role as Vice President of Construction at Tamarack Resort as well as his work with Washington Group International. For more information on energy-efficient Systems Built homes, visit www.rubicondevelopment.com or call 208-573-6743
About LEED for Homes
LEED for Homes is a voluntary initiative designed to promote sustainable home building practices. The LEED for Homes rating system is being developed to provide national consistency in defining the features of a ‘green’ home, and to enable builders anywhere in the country to obtain a ‘green’ rating on their homes. The strongest point of the LEED for Homes program is that it provides third-party verification that will include both on-site inspections and overall performance testing.
CONTACT:
Nic Stover - President
Rubicon Homes
208-573-6743
www.rubicondevelopment.com
House Calls: Energy-efficiency audits can find savings in places where consumers might never think to look - November 1, 2007
Help the environment and save money at the same time.
Looking to buy an energy-efficient home? - October 26, 2007
Energy Star homes can cut energy costs with better insulation and construction, but they do cost more
By Ken Dey - kdey@idahostatesman.com
Edition Date: 10/26/07
Sealing leaks can lower heating costs - October 24, 2007
Heating costs are rising again this year, but there are steps families can take to save money and still keep warm.By EILEEN ALT POWELL - AP Business Writer
Edition Date: 10/24/07
Kastera Homes Is Energy Star Certified! - September 17, 2007
Kastera Homes has partnered with OnPoint, Idaho’s largest energy efficiency and consulting contractor, to adopt the Energy Star certification process for all future home construction.
The Energy Star brand is currently recognized worldwide as the symbol of homes and appliances that improve quality of life and save resources. In this podcast interview with OnPoint’s Tad Duby, you’ll learn why Energy Star homes are healthier and safer, and are at least 30 percent more efficient than homes built to existing code. According to Duby, Kastera Homes is building to more stringent standards than those currently required by Energy Star. He also points out that bringing an existing home up to Energy Star standards would cost between $10,000 - $20,000. By constructing to Energy Star standards, Kastera is adding additional value to every new home it builds.
http://kastera.com/blog/?p=76
THE USGBC LEED FOR HOMES PILOT PROGRAM AWARDS VP DEVELOPMENT - September 4, 2007
Contact Information:
Tad Duby
OnPoint, LLC
208-407-5414
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE USGBC LEED® FOR HOMES PILOT PROGRAM AWARDS VP DEVELOPMENT,
In
LEED is a national brand that potential homeowners and tenants can look for – to readily identify true green homes. LEED certified homes consume less energy, use less water, and are safe and healthy places for their families to live. All LEED Homes are third party inspected, performance tested, and certified to be higher-performing than conventional homes.
A LEED certified home includes high performance features designed to provide improved heath, safety, comfort, and lower operating costs. LEED certified homes are also more environmentally friendly, more durable, less polluting, and make substantially better use of resources. In addition, the net cost of owning a green home may be no more than the net cost of a conventional home.
Eleven local and regional organizations, called LEED for Homes Pilot Providers, have formal responsibility for rating LEED Homes during the pilot phase. VP Development worked with OnPoint, LLC on this project to ensure the LEED for Homes standards were met. A complete list of the LEED for Homes Pilot Providers can be found on the USGBC Web site at: www.usgbc.org/leed/homes.
OnPoint is a third party rating and verification contractor specializing in certifying ENERGYSTAR® homes and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED for Homes pilot program. They provide a wide range of services, including consulting, testing, and inspecting, in order to help clients create homes that are efficient and environmentally conscious.
The pilot version of the LEED for Homes Rating System is scheduled to be updated based on lessons learned in the pilot. After a public review period and a membership ballot, the final LEED for Homes Rating System will be launched in mid 2007.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s leading organization of corporations, builders, universities, Federal and local agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Greenbuild as well as the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System are projects of the USGBC. For more information on the USGBC, visit www.usgbc.org.
About LEED
The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary third party rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. Projects are evaluated within six environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of green building certification are awarded based on the total credits earned. The LEED standard has been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local governments, and interested private companies as the industry standard of measurement for green building.
Developer tackles all-LEED subdivision - July 19, 2007
Campbell Construction plans eco-friendly houses and townhomes in Meridian.
By Hilary Costa - local@idahostatesman.com
Edition Date: 07/19/07
Some Treasure Valley developers are working to weave energy efficiency into every part of home life.
Bond Campbell, owner of Campbell Construction, plans Meridian's first entirely LEED-certified subdivision, where every house will leave a smaller carbon footprint than comparable non-LEED homes.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a creation of the U.S. Green Building Council, a home-building industry group.
Campbell's HollyBrook subdivision, on 16 acres near Meridian and Ustick roads, will contain 40 single-family houses and 12 townhomes that all will meet or surpass silver-level LEED certification.
Nearly every part of building a home requires a close look to meet LEED specs, Campbell said. For example, he makes sure his lumber is grown within 500 miles of the construction site. Installing extra insulation and efficient Energy Star appliances also cuts down on water, gas and electricity use.
"It's being more aware and paying more attention," Campbell said.
He also is building the state's first platinum-level LEED house, a 10,000 square-foot, $2.5 million home in the Eagle Foothills.
He is working with eight other builders on HollyBrook. Campbell wants to spread the green building practices he discovered when constructing his own home.
"I think once they see the benefits of building sustainably and durably and energy efficiently, and they find out how the market responds to it ... they will continue to follow that program," Campbell said.
Val Skinner, of Skinner Quality Homes, will build five single-family homes in HollyBrook.
He said he never would have pictured himself undertaking a green project five years ago, but the increased focus on the environment and corresponding market demands have convinced him that LEED is the future of residential development.
"This isn't going to stop," Skinner said. "Energy prices are going to continue to go up, so we need to build a little smarter."
HollyBrook homes will cost between $300,000 and $450,000, Campbell said.
He said he thinks long-term benefits like durability and high resale values will assuage any sticker shock for home buyers.
"I won't name names, but there are houses being built in the Valley right now today that won't be here 30 years from now," he said. "Affordable can be expensive if you're not really paying attention to how your home's being built."
Greener buildings are gaining ground - July 18, 2007
Greener buildings are gaining ground
'Builders and suppliers need to get on board or get left behind'
A sea change is greening the American dream, and the green wave has hit Idaho's real estate market.Homebuyers are more environmentally and socially savvy. They want homes that are healthier for the occupants, the environment and the pocketbook.
In April, a model home in Hidden Springs became the first home in Idaho to receive a national gold rating for its greenness — one of only six homes in the nation to receive the high rating.
"This is the way the market is headed. We want to be at the leading edge instead of the trailing edge," said Anthony Collins, who, together with his father Joe Collins, owns Fireside Homes. The company built the home.
Unstable energy supplies and prices, environmental and health concerns are driving the green building movement.
"The writing is on the wall. Builders and suppliers need to get on board or get left behind," said Tad Duby with OnPoint Advantage, which certifies LEED homes in Idaho and the region.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
In 2005, the Ada County Courthouse became the first building in Idaho to receive LEED certification. Since then, three more commercial buildings and six homes have been certified and at least a dozen more are under way, Duby said.
"A lot of LEED homes are rolling in. In the last nine months, there's been more interest in LEED than Energy Star or anything else we've done," Duby said. "Within the next two years, I predict there will be several hundred LEED homes in Idaho."
Energy Star homes are those built to standards shown to use less energy. LEED-certified homes are an even higher standard.
These green homes are not like those from the 1970s, which were often located in rural areas and built without electricity or plumbing. Today's green homes are high performance.
A LEED-certified home includes features designed to provide improved heath, safety, comfort and lower operating costs. LEED-certified homes are also more environmentally friendly, more durable, less polluting and make substantially better use of resources.
The 2,600-square-foot model home the Collinses built is smart and efficient. Motion sensors in the bathrooms kick on the tankless water heater, meaning no waiting for hot water.
Underground moisture sensors control the sprinkler system, activating it only when needed. The ventilation system maintains hospital-grade air. Water-saving features reduce water usage outside the home by nearly 60 percent and inside the home by about 50 percent.
Extra insulation makes the home quieter and leak free. Other features include Energy Star appliances, sustainably harvested woods, low-VOC paint and carpet, cement and polymer flooring made with soy-based stain and native and drought-tolerant plants.
More than 25 of the building products came from within 500 miles of Boise, including shingles from North Idaho and doors from Oregon.
Constructions costs of a LEED home are 2 to 5 percent higher — $5 to $6 more per square foot — than a conventional home, but the home's energy-efficient features will save money in the long run with a 30 to 60 percent decrease in monthly utility bills.
The homeowner's mortgage payment may go up $30 a month, but the utility bills will go down $100 a month, Joe said.
The Collins' LEED home is 20 to 40 percent more efficient than an Energy Star home and about 50 percent more efficient than a house built to code, Anthony said.
Initially, contractors gave Anthony "a deer in the headlights look" when he outlined the extra features going into the home. Once they learned more and understood the goal, they quickly got on board.
Many local builders and suppliers are embracing green building practices, Duby said. More than 100 Idaho builders, architects and contractors have obtained LEED credentials.
Not only are the homes more efficient, but they also are making the construction workers more efficient, Anthony said.
A LEED home gets extra points if construction waste is reduced. Constructing a typical home can generate 4.5 pounds of waste per square foot; Anthony's crews got it down to half a pound — that's less material discarded at the landfill, saving the builder money. Anthony said that's just common sense and all builders should be doing it.
"The most difficult part of building a LEED home is the paperwork," Anthony said. "You have to document everything, get letters from each manufacturer verifying the product."
Such high standards guarantee the homeowner an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home, Duby said.
Collins and his dad were so impressed with how well their first LEED home performed, they decided to build seven more LEED homes on lots they purchased in Hidden Springs.
"It is a better way to do things," Joe said. "There is no downside to it."
Idaho Statemans - Cynthia Sewell: 377-6428
OnPoint Certifies Idaho's 1st LEED Gold Home - June 8, 2007
THE USGBC LEED® FOR HOMES PILOT PROGRAM AWARDS (Fireside Homes-Hidden Spring model home) a LEED Gold RATING IN RESIDENTIAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
In
LEED is a national brand that potential homeowners and tenants can look for – to readily identify true green homes. LEED certified homes consume less energy, use less water, and are safe and healthy places for their families to live. All LEED Homes are third party inspected, performance tested, and certified to be higher-performing than conventional homes.
A LEED certified home includes high performance features designed to provide improved heath, safety, comfort, and lower operating costs. LEED certified homes are also more environmentally friendly, more durable, less polluting, and make substantially better use of resources. In addition, the net cost of owning a green home may be no more than the net cost of a conventional home.
Fireside Homes, Inc. is best defined as a builder of quality, architecturally intriguing homes with a focus on floor plan excellence. Focusing on energy efficiency and superb workmanship Fireside Homes has over 25 years of homebuilding experience. Owner Joe Collins’ expertise ranges from entry-level to high-end, custom homes.
Eleven local and regional organizations, called LEED for Homes Pilot
OnPoint is a partner in building energy-efficient, Green homes. They are a third party rating and verification contractor specializing in varifying ENERGYSTAR® homes and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED for Homes pilot program. They provide a wide range of services, including consulting, testing, and inspecting, in order to help clients create homes that are efficient and environmentally conscious.
The pilot version of the LEED for Homes Rating System is scheduled to be updated based on lessons learned in the pilot. After a public review period and a membership ballot, the final LEED for Homes Rating System will be launched in mid 2007.
About the
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s leading organization of corporations, builders, universities, Federal and local agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Greenbuild as well as the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System are projects of the USGBC. For more information on the USGBC, visit www.usgbc.org.
About LEED
The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary third party rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. Projects are evaluated within six environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of green building certification are awarded based on the total credits earned. The LEED standard has been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local governments, and interested private companies as the industry standard of measurement for green building.
BSD STUDENTS BUILD HOME OF THE FUTURE - May 29, 2007
UNIQUE PROGRAM ALLOWS STUDENTS TO BUILD ENERGY STAR HOME
BSD STUDENTS BUILD HOME OF THE FUTURE
Unique features of the home include:
- An Energy Star rating, which is authorized by the Idaho Energy Division
- Blown Cellulose insulation which has a higher R value, is quieter, uses recycled newspaper, creates a better seal than fiberglass, and eliminates the need for a vapor barrier which can promote mold in walls
- A conditioned crawl space, which eliminates the possibility of mold growth
- Red fescue grass, which requires less watering
- Custom craftsmanship, including tapered columns, 5 panel doors, door and window trim style and red oak flooring
The new home will be open to the general public, including faculty, family and friends, on
Residential Homebuilding Instructor Scott Larson supervised three groups of students from Borah,
Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars — all while saving $14 billion on their utility bills.
Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. Energy Star helps you make the energy efficient choice. If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the Energy Star. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. If looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the Energy Star. If looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.
On Point, LLC Recognized for Important Contribution to Community - May 9, 2007
US EPA AWARDS LOCAL COMPANY WITH 2007 ENERGY
On Point, LLC has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the important contribution they have made to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by verify more than 150 ENERGY
Over 200,000 homes in the United States earned the ENERGY
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, last year alone, with the help of ENERGY
Idaho's 1st Green Built Homes - April 10, 2007
April 5th 2007, first certified Green built homes in
On Point LLC certifies the first LEED for homes (Green built) homes in
April 6th, 2007 VP Development has it first open house on their LEED Homes on
April 12th, 2007 Fireside Homes open its doors to their LEED home in Hidden Springs Subdivision in
1. Site with extensive community resources and access to green Spaces
2. Water saving features outside the home, with drought tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation methods, rain sensors, zone controls, pressure regulating sprinkler heads, and other measures that reduce the overall water usage outside the home over 59%
3. Water saving features inside the home, low flow faucets and showers, dual flush toilets, that reduce the inside water use over 50%
4. Permanent erosion controls,
5. Healthy insect and pest control alternatives
6. Calculated exhaust and whole house ventilation and filterization for healthier indoor air quality and moisture control
7. Environmentally preferred, flooring, trim, siding, carpet and pad, insulation, low voc paint, drywall for healthier indoor air quality.
8. Third party inspection on duct leakage, house infiltration rates, ventilation rates, and indoor air quality monitoring for a healthier, more energy efficient home
9. Home waste during construction hauled to the landfill was 11% of the national average per home.
10. Locally purchased materials and products that support our local economy and reduce pollution and fuel expense.
11. Central vacuum of healthier home environment
12. Timer controls on bath fans to reduce moisture inside the home
13. High efficiency filters on HVAC
14. Exhaust fan in garage to eliminate build up of CO, for a healthier home
15. Radon vent to eliminate the chance for Radon build up in the home.
16. 10-30% more efficient that Energy star homes
And many more items that help make this home a Safer, Healthier, more Comfortable, Durable and Energy Efficient home.
Northwest ENERGY STAR - March 8, 2007
Northwest ENERGY STAR® Homes recognizes top performers.
PORTLAND, Ore. — February 23, 2007 — It’s like the Oscars for Northwest homebuilders. The 1st annual Northwest ENERGY STAR® Homes Awards were held in Portland, Ore., on February 22, 2007, to recognize the achievements of Northwest ENERGY STAR builders and trade allies in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.
Holton Homes,
“We commend all of our Northwest ENERGY STAR builders who have made such a strong commitment to building the best high-performance homes, providing an energy efficient home that’s healthier and more comfortable for homebuyers,” said Anne Brink, Market Manager, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. “These awards recognize the industry leaders who have helped the Pacific Northwest become a model for high performance home building. More Northwest homebuyers are recognizing the benefits of an energy efficient home that will help them reduce energy costs while protecting the environment.”
Additional award winners at the Annual Northwest ENERGY STAR Awards event include:
· Lighting Supplier: Alexander Lighting, Seattle, Washington
· Home Performance Specialist: OnPoint, LLC, Boise, Idaho
· HVAC/Performance Testing Contractor: Western Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Boise, Idaho
· Washington Large Home Builder: New Tradition Homes, Vancouver, Wash.
· Washington Small Home Builder: Martha Rose Construction, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
· Oregon Large Home Builder: Palmer Homes, Bend, Ore.
· Oregon Small Home Builder: Summerfield Homes, West Linn, Ore.
· Idaho Small Home Builder: MarKar Design and Construction, Inc., Meridian, Ida.
· Montana Home Builder: McCall Development, Billings, Mont.
In 2006, 2,354 Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes were built in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. There are currently 257 active Northwest ENERGY STAR builders. About 25 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions come from homes, so making homes more energy efficient is an important step in reducing the emissions that contribute to global warming.
Homes earning the ENERGY STAR label are at least 15 percent more efficient than homes built to standard state energy codes. In addition, homes are performance-tested by a certified technician to confirm that efficient equipment is installed correctly for peak performance. A final endorsement before move-in takes place when an independent inspector certifies that all requirements are met to earn the ENERGY STAR label.
About ENERGY STAR and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, the ENERGY STAR program is a joint partnership between EPA and Department of Energy and delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions. For a complete list of ENERGY STAR qualified products, retailers, manufacturers and energy savings information, call 1-888-373-2283 or log onto: www.energystar.gov.
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is a non-profit organization working to encourage the development and adoption of energy-efficient products and services. NEEA is supported by the region’s electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and industry efficiency industry representatives. (www.nwalliance.org)
Northwest ENERGY STAR(R) Homes Recognizes Top Performers - February 26, 2007
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/northwest-energy-starr-homes-recognizes/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D23571B-D796-4BB4-87C1-0A957C821C9D%7DHidden Springs home takes the LEED - February 19, 2007
Hidden Springs home takes the LEED — ICR
Posted: Monday, February 19, 2007
© 2007 Idaho Business Review
