by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
There may be a new trend in Jacksonville — and it’s not a clothing line, car or Web site. It’s in building practices.
Because there is a direct relationship between high fuel prices and electric bills, there is an effort to curb the cost of living and conserve natural resources in northeast Florida. JEA and the Northeast Florida Builders Association have introduced a program to tackle both issues, the Green Built Homes of Florida program.
Like the energy rating stickers on water heaters and air-conditioning units, Green Built homes uses Energy Star, a program formulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as Water Star, a program still under development by the St. Johns River Water Management District, to promote efficient use Florida’s resources.
Energy Star shows homebuyers the cost to run a home. The program’s standardsare 15 percent better than the existing Florida code and 30 percent more efficient than the national code.
Homeowners in the North Florida climate zone living in a one-story home meeting Energy Star criteria can save an estimated $30-35 per month and those living in two-story homes can save up to $75 per month, according to the EPA.
Ratings qualifying a home as Energy Star are conducted by a third party, one not associated with JEA. This helps installers and customers know the work was done properly, according to Phil Mattox, spokesman for JEA.
Third party consultants are state certified and hired by the builder or homeowner. Before the home is built, a home energy rater evaluates home plans and specifications to pinpoint specific, cost effective improvements needed to qualify a home for the label. Then, after the home is built, another test is done to ensure the Energy Star standard has been met.
Test such as the “door blower test” check homes for leaky duct systems.
After a gamut of tests are conducted, the home receives a rating. The current Energy Star approval rating is 86 out of 100, but will be changed to 85 in July.
James Williams of Home Energy Services is a consultant who rates homes for Energy Star. He is national certified by the non-profit Residential Energy Services Network. The mission of the network is to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry and set the standards of quality, and increase the opportunity for ownership of high performance buildings.
Williams’ services start at $200 and go up depending on the size of the home.
Homes can earn the Energy Star rating in a variety of ways, according to the EPA.
• Properly installed insulation in floors, walls and attics ensure even temperatures throughout the house while using less energy.
• Windows with advanced coatings and construction help keep heat in during winter and out during the summer. They also block ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
• Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home and in heating and cooling ducts helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen pests, and noise. A more tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality, while lowering utility and maintenance cost.
Green building can also result in lower insurance costs for builders, developers and homeowners. For example, some insurance companies offer a 10 percent credit to architects and engineers practicing green building.
“As soon as the public understands the importance of the program, they will demand it,” said Barbara Moore, regional president of Beazer Homes, which has 270 homes under construction that will qualify for the program.
The program was initiated to reduce electric and water usage, help maintain low electric rates and to “create a healthier living environment for Northeast Florida residents,” according to Mattox.
Certain builders began using the Energy Star program in January and some builders say they started before then.
Centex Homes will be building Green Built homes in the master-planned community of Nocatee and already has homes in Fleming Island that “approach current standards for Energy Star certification,” according to the company.
“We believe in preserving the environment for future generations and we focus on three basic elements with Centex’s philanthropic commitment: land, home and people,” said Carl Holman, operational marketing manager for Centex Homes North Florida Division. “In fact, we currently meet or exceed many of the energy efficiency criteria required to earn the Energy Star designation.”
Brock Mikowsky of Partnership Custom Homes said his company didn’t make many changes to comply with Energy Star because their building practices already exceed code. Their homes are rated at 89 of 100. Mikowsky said if his homes can earn a 91 rating, the company will be eligible for tax credits.
“As a company we thought it was a good idea. It’s a locally branded product,” he said. “Energy Star has to happen. It benefits the customer so much and as a home builder we can differentiate ourselves from the competition.”
NEFBA is offering classes to make sure home builders know the qualifications for the program, according to associate director Daniel Davis.
“It’s important to educate the home buyer and the home builder,” he said.
Jason Lowe is a builder for Beazer Homes and was one of the first to use the program in building practices. He said it wasn’t an inconvenience to make homes more energy efficient. He worked with 5-6 different floor plans and said, after building two, it became routine.
“It’s a great program. It saves energy and makes for a more comfortable home. It makes for a happy buyer and that’s our goal,” said Lowe. “Small changes can make a big difference in the way people enjoy their house.”