EnergyStar means more than just appliances… that little blue insignia means “green”

Last week my assistant, Nina, and I attended a class put on by Northwest Energy Star that frankly I was initially concerned would only cover the basics of knowing the benefits of energy efficient appliances.  Thankfully, my concerns were immediately put to rest as the class began and we heard what we’d really be covering – what it means to have a truly energy efficient home and the construction methods that get you there.   WHEW!!!!

A short tutorial about energy prices and how they’re impacting the sales and construction of homes was part of the beginning of the course and underscored information I’ve been reading about for years.  I was pleased to see for many people that they “got it” and it started generating some interesting commentary among the participants. 

Most people do recognize EnergyStar when it comes to appliances but they don’t realize that an entire home can be built to a construction specification that meets energy efficiency ratings.  Examples would be: air sealing, use of mastic on heating ducts to prevent heat loss, proper installation of insulation, low-e windows, lighting (50% CFL or energy efficient sockets), and more.

Speaking of building a house to “green” and energy efficient standards… one of the instructors, Dave Porter, actually had a whole house re-built up in Stanwood that is being used as a model for the Northwest.  He even reports on his website www.goinggreenatthebeach.com how they did the remodel, what about it is “green” and he gives updates on how things are working out – such as a grey water reuse project.  In June, they’ll be hosting a 2nd open house for the public so check out their site for details.  Dave works for Countrywide and apparently there are loan programs available for builders that home buyers where you can qualify for special rates when purchasing a “green” home.  These are called Energy Efficient Mortgages.

Another person we met while in the class, although he wasn’t part of the course itself, is Paul Birkeland.  He works for Integrated Renewable Energy, working with residential, commercial and industrial clients providing services of feasibility, cost/benefit analysis, design, financial planning and project management of renewable energy or energy efficient system installations.  He is also one of the few people in the area that offer Certified Home Energy Rating (HERS) for builders and homebuyers looking for tax credits or energy efficient mortgages.  Include verification and testing as well as construction consulting/training and you’ve got a long list of great services.

I have to say that Nina and I walked away from that class feeling pretty good about the additional “green” education that we’d gained.  The one thing we could have passed on was the trip out to the Issaquah Highlands area to see an EnergyStar house – we didn’t get why we couldn’t see something closer in, but I guess that means we don’t have anyone doing infill development that is getting this certification and that’s too bad.  The challenge is out there for builders and consumers to start putting their talk about green into their building and buying practices.  What will you do?

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.