Don’t Miss Energy Value Housing Awards June 30 Deadline

There is still time to act, but with the June 30 deadline drawing near for the 2010 EnergyValue Housing Award applications, builders of extremely energy-efficient or even zero-energy homes don’t want to miss this opportunity to have their work showcased nationally.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program and administered by the NAHB Research Center, the EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) recognizes builders who successfully integrate energy efficiency into all aspects of new home production, as exemplified by a specific home.

For those who have not participated in the EVHA before, here are some helpful hints for providing the detailed information and documentation needed in the application:

• Make sure your information is consistent. Be sure your documentation reflects the same information as your application. For example, if you indicate that the foundation/basement wall is an average of two feet above grade, but the elevation drawings and pictures show that 50% of the foundation is totally exposed and the remaining 50% is three feet above grade, this may give the judges pause as they review your application.
  
  
• Be sure to note design changes. Field changes can and do occur frequently, so it is important that any information in the application deviating from what is shown on the plans be fully explained and, where possible, noted on the plans. For example, if windows were eliminated, added, or changed in any way, the application should reflect the change and a note should be included that explains the change. It would also be helpful if the change is highlighted on the plans.
  
  
• Organize your documentation. Group your supporting materials and documentation into sections to make them easier to locate during the judging process. Materials should be presented in the same order as they appear in the application. Some suggestions include:
  
  
  • Tab separators labeled for each section: Slab/Floors; Foundation/Above-Grade Walls; Windows/Doors; etc.
  • Pocket files labeled for each section
  • Numbered tabs with all documentation clearly listed on the index page
    
    
• Be sure to attach required documents. EVHA required documents — such as a HERS Index Rating Report and other related materials — should be placed in the appropriate application packet sections or in a separate section labeled appropriately. It would be a shame to go through the effort of completing and submitting an application only to have it rejected for failure to include all the required elements.
  
  
• Complete the discussion areas. Where “pencil” icons appear throughout the application, applicants are asked to discuss certain features applicable to the house, such as air infiltration. In a particular discussion section, you would want to describe how any special framing techniques, sealing details, products, completed visual inspections, etc. worked together to prevent air infiltration.
  
  
• Provide photographs. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes time for the judges to review your application. Photos are an excellent way to show the judges special features, and they can provide clarification in answering questions that may come up during the judging process. Photos can be included in the supplemental materials and can be referenced in the application as necessary.
  
  
• Highlight Builders Challenge participation.  In order for DOE Builders Challenge accomplishments to be considered in the EVHA judging, EVHA applications for houses that have already achieved the Builders Challenge EnergySmart Home Scale (e-scale) must:
  
  
  • List the same builder name, company name and house address as used on Builders Challenge documents
  • Include copies of documents verifying that Builders Challenge Quality Criteria have been met
  • Include a copy of the home’s EnergySmart Home Scale
    
    
• Interested in getting a Builders Challenge evaluation? If you have not yet received a Builders Challenge evaluation, but would like one, you can use your EVHA application to accomplish this. Be sure you:
  
  
  • Complete page 9 of the EVHA application
  • Register as a Builder Partner on the Builders Challenge Web site prior to submitting the EVHA application
  • Include all Builders Challenge Required materials
  • Complete the Builders Challenge Checklist (page 24 of the EVHA application)

To download an application and find out more about the EnergyValue Housing Award, visit www.nahbrc.org/evha.

Builders who have questions about completing the application and manufacturers interested in sponsoring the 2010 EVHA ceremony are encouraged to e-mail Debra Sagan, EVHA program manager, at the NAHB Research Center.

‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.

The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.

Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here.

The Future of Residential Construction Is Green

The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.

Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 3,300 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.

“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

NBN Tools Print This Article Subscribe to NBN E-mail Editor Print ALL Articles Manage Your Subscription