Quadrant Homes, Washington's largest single-family homebuilder has announced that they will begin building all of their homes to the Northwest ENERGY STAR specifications in the New Year. To prepare for impending changes in Washington's energy code and the 2011 ENERGY STAR specification, Quadrant has taken steps to ensure that their construction plans incorporate the new requirements. Among one of the first builders to join the program in 2004, they have again demonstrated their commitment to quality construction and high performance homes with this revered commitment.

Many of you may have received a notification from the EPA communicating delayed implementation of the national v2.5 ENERGY STAR Home guidelines, with a new roll-out date of April 1, 2011. Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes has taken considerable efforts to prepare our partners for the 2011 Specification and feel that we are well-prepared to move forward with the current implementation date of January 1, 2011. Additionally, due to the changing energy codes across the Northwest, the January 1 roll-out of the enhanced specifications is necessary to maintain the high level of quality and performance associated with the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes label.

Timeline:

1. Single family homes that are permitted or initiated in the database before January 1, 2011 can continue to be qualified under the current 2010 guidelines, if construction is complete and the home is certified prior to July 1, 2011.
2.  All homes permitted or initiated in the database after January 1, 2011 must be qualified using the new 2011 Specification guidelines.

No changes to the Oregon Northwest ENERGY STAR Home specification will be made at this time.

As we continue to receive more information from EPA on the details of the 2011 specification, we will maintain the most up-to-date news on our Program's web news page here: www.northwestenergystar.com/partner-resources/news

In addition, on behalf of WSU Extension Energy Program team, we want to clarify any confusion that may surround the Washington Energy Code implementation. The 2009 Washington State Energy Code goes into effect on January 1, 2011.

On December 17, legislation was signed to extend the $2,000 federal tax credit for energy efficient home builders through December 31, 2011. This news applies to many Northwest ENERGY STAR partners, as the 2011 ENERGY STAR Homes Specification can move builders closer to qualifying for the credit. For example, builders in Washington who choose the Ducts in Conditioned Space pathway may qualify for the credit with up to 18% glazing. The Program will be looking at the various pathways in the first quarter of 2011 to determine how the BOP's in each state compare to the federal tax credit requirements.

Please work with your verifier to determine how your building practices may qualify. For full details of the federal tax credit legislation on RESNET^®'s blog, CLICK HERE:

www.resnet.us/blog/congress-extends-tax-credit/

To keep you informed on the latest program news and opportunities, please provide us feedback on our 2010 newsletter. CLICK HERE to take a brief 5 min. survey.

Application deadline for the 2010/2011 Northwest ENERGY STAR Builder and Verifier of the Year awards has been extended to January 31, 2011. Award winners uniquely position their companies as leaders in energy efficient, high performance homes. If you lead with ENERGY STAR, include it in your marketing, have a unique way of positioning energy efficiency or are building highly efficient homes, please consider applying!

This year's award categories are:

· Oregon Home Builder of the Year

·Washington Home Builder of the Year

· Idaho Home Builder of the Year

· Montana Home Builder of the Year

· Northwest ENERGY STAR Home Regional Builder of the Year

· Northwest ENERGY STAR Home of the Year

· Northwest ENERGY STAR Development of the Year

· Northwest ENERGY STAR Verifier of the Year

Winners will be featured on the Northwest ENERGY STAR website and BuilderNEWS. Click here for complete application, eligibility and category details.

Source: DOE's EERE News, November 15, 2010

Initial meetings have taken place to begin the voting process on the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), aiming to achieve 30% more energy savings for residential and commercial buildings vs. the current 2006 IECC. The new building codes will be available in early 2011.

Highlights of the 2012 code include:

• Increased standards in envelope efficiency
• Increased ducts performance requirements
• Increased air exchange requirements
   

For the complete article,

The Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program partnered with the Puget-based New Homes Council in September to launch the Puget 'BE AN ENERGY STAR' Campaign. The campaign, which was integrated into the New Homes Council's "Fresh Ideas Home Tour," challenged model home visitors to answer questions about energy efficient homes for a chance to win $10,000 - plus an additional $5,000 if the winner decided to purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified home. The campaign provided a platform for ENERGY STAR builders to differentiate themselves from their competition, market the Home Tour at a minimal cost, and incentivize homebuyers to tour and hopefully purchase their homes.

Thank you to our participating ENERGY STAR builders: The Burnsteads, Centex Homes, Village Life, John F Buchan Homes, Schneider Homes and CamWest Development.

The program is gearing up for a 2011 regional campaign focused on driving traffic to builders model homes. Interested in being involved in the 2011 regional campaign? Contact us to stay informed on upcoming opportunities: marketing@northwestenergystar.com