As a result, the decision has been made to remove Feature # 1 as contained in the 2007 Checklist and the corresponding Appendix A. Builders will now show compliance with the Built Green minimum energy efficiency requirement through RESNET-accredited performance testing under the program’s existing 5% random rating requirement. As performance testing of 5% of all registered homes is already required of and paid for by builder members, there will be virtually little to no impact associated with this modification (i.e., no increased cost).

There is however a change in the sampling method within the program’s random verification process. With the variety of product types being built and registered under the program, from-plans ratings across product and plan types coupled with site-specific ratings across product types is the only way to ensure that each construction type is meeting the minimum Built Green requirement. While the program has always encouraged builders to engage in this practice – and many builders do – it has not been a formal requirement of the program.

Therefore, under the revised Checklist item #1 (and item #2, if testing 15%), from plans ratings must capture all plan types and site-specific testing must capture at least one each of all product types. In most instances a builder will accomplish this new protocol by sampling each product type without exceeding the number of ratings that would be required if the 5% (or 15% under Checklist item #2) were calculated simply on total number of their registered homes. However, a site-specific test on at least one example of each registered product type is required regardless of whether the total number of ratings necessary to do so will result in a greater number of ratings than 5% calculated based solely on total registered units.

Please click the links below for more detailed information:

http://builtgreen.org/checklist/changes2007.pdf

BUILT GREEN® UNIVERSITY
 
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO
April 17th & 18th
  
SIGN UP NOW LEARN ABOUT THE IMPORTANT CHANGES
 TO THE BUILT GREEN PROGRAM FOR 2007

Built Green Colorado is excited to announce our Spring educational seminar in Englewood, Colorado, the first of three Built Green Universities to be conducted this year (the next two will be held in the fall, with locations still to be determined).  The Built Green University is a comprehensive and in-depth training on the Built Green program and checklist, covering topics such as compliance and verification within each category, followed by a brief marketing segment and a half-day in the field demonstrating an energy analysis and other applicable items on a home. 
 
Here's what a 2006 past attendee and Sponsor had to say…

I felt that Built Green University was so educational and inspirational.  Thanks to you, Justin, and all that made it such a professional venue for energy efficiency building.
Robin R. Spaulding, Conservation Specialist, Colorado Springs Utilities

Remember, these seminars fulfill the Builder Education Requirement, so if you are a member of the program, and unsure whether your company is up-to-date on meeting this requirement, please go to the following link: http://builtgreen.org/directory/builders.aspx
 
Builders will be trained on the new 2007 Built Green Checklist, receiving essential information on cost-effective methods to improve home performance, reduce callbacks, and increase their market edge. They will learn:

• How (and why) to comply with the 2007 Built Green® Checklist
• How building science and the systems approach results in better performing homes
• How and why to go beyond the minimum in energy efficiency
• Qualifying for the $2,000 Federal Energy Tax Credit
• How all of this will reduce common problems and expensive callbacks
• Tips & case studies on how to market “Built Green” to the consumer & the latest Built Green market research, demonstrating the sales opportunity of marketing the Built Green name.
• Field demonstration at a local builder's home

Sponsorship Opportunities still available (Deadline: February 28th)
Built Green University Registration Flyer (Deadline for Registration: April 13th)

Please click the link below for the BGU enrollment form and the Sponsorship form.

Sponsorship Form:
http://builtgreen.org/events/bgus/2007-04-17/2007_Spring_Sponsorship_flyer.pdf

Enrollment Form:
http://builtgreen.org/events/bgus/2007-04-17/flyer.pdf
 

Kim Calomino, Director of Built Green Colorado, has been asked to participate on the EPA advisory committee in conjunction with a benchmark study of water conserving new homes. The advisory committee is also discussing the potential development of a new homes labeling program. Water Conservation has always been a high priority for Built Green, and likewise should be a high priority for every Built Green builder.

Click on the link below to be connected with the Water Sense website and to see how YOU can help save water through daily activities.

http://www.epa.gov/watersense

More information and requirements available at http://www.xcelenergy.com/solar
 

James Hardie, a Built Green Industry Leader and manufacturer of fiber cement siding can make your decision easy when it comes to choosing siding. James Hardie siding is low maintenance, non-combustible, resists rotting and cracking, and it resists damage from harsh weather. Best of all, James Hardie siding is available pre-finished with a 15-year paint warranty and includes a limited, transferable warranty for up to 50 years.

For more information on James Hardie siding, visit their website:
www.jameshardie.com or contact Ken Bauer at 720-253-7079, ken.bauer@jameshardie.com
 

A:  The tax credit is limited to “persons who constructed new energy-efficient houses” that are built to have heating and cooling consumption at least 50% more efficient than the same house built to meet the International Energy Conservations with at least one-fifth of the reduction through building envelope improvements (Improved insulation and air-sealing)Code (IECC) for 2004. The tax credits were forged in the 2005 Federal Energy Policy Bill signed by President Bush in August of 2005 and were originally scheduled to end in 2007. This tax credit will allow you to take credits for each house built after August 8, 2005 and sold in 2006, 2007 or 2008 that meets the standards. The amount of the credit is $2,000 per home that meets or exceeds the standards, in addition to picking up an additional 2 points on the 2007 Built Green Colorado Checklist.

In order for Built Green Builders to meet the standards it is best practice that builders have verification of the following tests, and are required to keep the following records demonstrating that the performance of each house that meets or exceeds the performance levels indicated in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and/or are 50% better than Code:

Independent testing by individuals or company’s that are not affiliated with the builder and are certified through RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) (i.e., energy raters) to demonstrate:

• Demonstrate compliance with Built Green Checklist items 1,2 or 3 that indicated a HERS Index score of 85 is achieved. The best approach for a builder to get the Tax Credit on 100% of constructed homes would be to test 100% of homes under the Energy Star qualification (checklist item #3), complete the items on the Energy Star Thermal By-pass checklist and complete a RESNET insulation inspection as outlined below. Note: Energy Star certification does not ensure qualification for the Tax Credit.
• All items on the Thermal by-pass checklist are met. This is the most effective way to reduce air-leakage and optimize the performance of your house’s insulation.
• Complete a 3rd party insulation inspection by a RESNET certified rater demonstrating the installed Insulation system achieves “Grade 1” (best) for at least 90% of the exterior walls, cantilevered floors, ceilings and foundation. The remaining 10% achieves a grade no lower than “Grade 2”
• Duct-Leakage levels that don’t exceed 6 cfm/100 ft² of leakage to the outdoors. This standard is required for Energy-Star and it is virtually impossible to achieve the tax credit standard if ducts leak more than this to the outdoors. Note: it is best to test for this prior to installing drywall, so any corrections to the system can be made. Final verification of leakage to outdoors must be made at the final blower door test/rating.
• Final RESNET certified Energy Rating (modeled using REMrate or comparable IRS Approved software) showing proof that that the house is estimated to use 50% the energy for heating and cooling with at least one-fifth of the reduction through building envelope improvements (Improved insulation and air-sealing) that the same house built to meet IECC 2004 would use.
   

Required Record Keeping for the IRS:

• A letter from a RESNET accredited energy rating company/provider verifying that each tested house has met the 50% or more efficient standard.
• A copy of the official energy rating certificate for each house with the Accredited HERS Providers signature.
  Confirmation of the address, date of sale (must be between January 1st, 2006 & December 31st 2008) and name of the buyer.
• These records need to be kept on-file by the builder, in case of an audit by the IRS, but do not have to be submitted to the IRS to take the credit.
• Completion of IRS form 8908 listing the number of houses that meet the standard. This form does need to be submitted with your corporate taxes. Please consult with you tax advisor for more details.

This month’s question was answered by Paul Kriescher, President of Lightly Treading Energy and Design.  For more information visit www.lightytreading.com.
 

This live webcast, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, will showcase tools and materials designed to simplify the energy code compliance process. It will cover new features in REScheck and COMcheck and highlight the Building Energy Codes Program's web-based technical materials and services available to you at no cost. The webcast presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.

Click below to register for the webcast

Archer Homes – Ft. Collins, Colorado
Dyerbilt Construction – Durango, Colorado
Lane Construction – Olathe, Colorado
PineCrest Construction – Monument, Colorado
TCD Incorporated – Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Wardcraft Builders – Boulder, Colorado
WB Builders – Grand Junction, Colorado

Built Green Currently has 174 builder members and 50 sponsor members. Total # of home registrations for 2007 is 271.

Dual-flush gravity, pressure or vacuum assist toilet averaging 1.1 gpf with a performance factor ≥ 400 grams/flush. (3 points for each installed, max 9 pts)

• Performance standards referenced in the MaP test 7th or later Editions. See Guide to the Checklist for MaP Test reference
• Dual-flush gravity toilet
• Pressure or vacuum assist toilet

Sales Tip: Dual flush gravity pressure or vacuum assist toilets are the most powerful toilets, best suited for large families or heavy use. These toilets, work well in close quarters, bathrooms located near bedrooms or anywhere you’d want a quiet toilet. In general, prices range from $200 to $350. Dual flush (1.6/.8 liter) toilets can reduce water usage by up to 67% compared with a traditional toilet that uses 2.9 gallons in a single flush.

Table 1: Water use in homes with standard, 1.6 gallon, and dual flush toilets

Attention Built Green Members: Do you have something nice to say about Built Green? Please give us your positive feedback and we’ll happily post it on our website!
 

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