BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BGE recently cohosted the 2016 Homebuilder and Rater Awards to recognize efforts to support the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program. Along with Maryland utilities Potomac Edison, SMECO and sister Exelon utilities Pepco and Delmarva Power, BGE spotlighted leaders in building and certifying ENERGY STAR certified new homes.
At an awards luncheon, BGE lauded participating homebuilders and raters for constructing 2,362 ENERGY STAR certified new homes in the utility’s service area in 2015. BGE’s program paid nearly $3.25 million in incentives to encourage homebuilders to construct new energy-efficient housing. Families moving into these new homes collectively will save 20 percent on their utility bill compared to a standard code-built home.
During the ceremony, BGE recognized three companies for their accomplishments in 2015:
- The award for the most energy-efficient home in BGE’s service area went to Bob Ward Companies for the home built at 825 Shandy Brook Drive in Westminster. The project saves the homeowners 71 percent on their utility bill when compared to a home built just to code.
- The award for the energy efficiency champion went to Jim Greenfield of Columbia Builders. The company has consistently been at the forefront of energy efficiency. It was one of the first to partner with BGE’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes program. In 2010, Jim Greenfield of Columbia Builders hosted an ENERGY STAR Version 3 pilot, two years before Version 3 had become a requirement. And, in 2015, the company constructed BGE’s 10,000th ENERGY STAR certified new home.
- The final award, for the 2015 partner of the year, went to Bryant Airey and NVR (NV & Ryan Homes). With 1,299 projects delivered under BGE’s program in 2015, the company’s commitment to the program is a large part of Maryland’s success in growing the market for high-efficiency homes. Thanks to the support of NV & Ryan Homes, many other regional and national builders have joined and stayed engaged with the ENERGY STAR program in Maryland. Since 2012, the state of Maryland has had the second highest market penetration nationally of ENERGY STAR homes and, to date, has had the most ENERGY STAR version 3.1 homes built in the country.
“We’re excited to recognize these three key partners for the roles they’ve played in making BGE’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes program the success that it is,” said Vanessa Morris, product manager for energy efficiency programs at BGE. “With their help, BGE was able to exceed its goal for megawatt-hour energy savings, hitting 103 percent in 2015.”
BGE launched its ENERGY STAR for New Homes program on June 1, 2009. Since then, customers have saved over $57.7 million in lifecycle energy costs through the more than 13,000 ENERGY STAR homes constructed. Over the life of these homes, customers will save over $4,400 on their utility bills.
ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today. A new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivering better quality, better comfort, and better value.
These programs support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. The rebates and discounts offered as part of BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program® benefit all BGE customers. These programs help to manage energy usage and reduce energy costs. Using less energy reduces the need for new power plants and distribution system upgrades, saving money for all customers. More information on the BGE ENERGY STAR for New Homes program is available at BGESmartEnergy.com/NewHomes. While this program is available for new construction, whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or contractor, the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® offers you a variety of options to save energy, money and the environment. Find more energy and money saving programs at BGESmartEnergy.com.
BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation’s first gas utility, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers power to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,200 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
