News Release

Huntsville Utilities recognized for outstanding leadership in the area of energy efficient new home construction

April 22, 2009

Huntsville Utilities earns two awards for certifying new homes that protect the environment through energy efficiency.

Huntsville Utilities has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2009 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the important contribution Huntsville Utilities has made to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by verifying more than 301 ENERGY STAR qualified homes last year. Collectively, these homes will save homeowners approximately $134,547 on utility bills each year.

The environmental benefits of these ENERGY STAR qualified homes are equal to the equivalent of: Eliminating the emissions from 147 vehicles; Saving nearly 900,000 lbs of coal; Planting 243 acres of trees; or Reduction of 1.7 million pounds of CO2 per year.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a new home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations.

A second award was presented to Huntsville Utilities by Home Energy Concepts Corporation for Outstanding Achievement In the area of energy efficient new home certification in 2008. Huntsville Utilities has become a leader in the seven state TVA region for information and certifications related to energy efficient residential construction.

Home Energy Concepts Corporation (HECC) is a Certified Home Energy Rating Company, a training institute, and provider for Energy Star, LEED and Green Homes Plus Raters. HECC trains Raters Nationwide and Certifies homes in compliance with the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET) Guidelines in thirteen states.

Huntsville Utilities is a municipally owned electric, natural gas and water utility serving over 290,000 metered accounts in Huntsville, Madison County and northern Marshal County.

For information contact Huntsville Utilities’ Energy Management Dept. at (256)535-1225 or energy@hsvutil.org