Providence Homes Commits to Building the Next Generation of ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes

Jacksonville, FL—12 August 2011 Providence Homes today is announcing that it is committing to build and label its homes to meet the new and more rigorous ENERGY STAR requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) for 2012.  Providence Homes has already built about 195 new homes that have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR to date, representing savings of nearly $87,165.00 on utility bills while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 97 vehicles.

“We’re proud to be making a commitment to continue building ENERGY STAR qualified homes in 2012, said Sean Junker, Providence Homes President and COO. “By stepping up to the new requirements, we’re going to be offering customers state-of-the-art performance in our homes with a comprehensive package of features that deliver greater value, quality, and comfort than ever before.”

Homes built to the new, more rigorous requirements (referred to as “Version 3”) will be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and will include additional features to give them a performance edge of 20-30% compared to typical new homes and even more when measured against most re-sale homes on the market today.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes that earn the label in 2012 will be built with a comprehensive, building science-based approach that features:

• A detailed package of home envelope air sealing, properly installed insulation, and high-performance windows to deliver comfort, durability, and lower utility bills.
• A high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation system designed and installed for optimal performance.
• A complete water and moisture management package to protect roofs, walls, and foundations.
• ENERGY STAR certified lighting and appliances that help reduce monthly utility bills.
• Third-party verification, with independent inspections and testing by a certified Home Energy Rater.

“EPA has raised the bar for what families can expect when they buy a new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR,” said Jonathan Passe, Acting Chief of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Residential Branch. “Builders who meet the new ENERGY STAR requirements are making a strong statement about their leadership and commitment to providing American homebuyers with truly energy-efficient homes that offer lower utility bills and greater benefits for the environment.”

About Providence Homes
Providence Homes was founded in 1992 by CEO, Bill Cellar. As they celebrate their 19th anniversary, Bill continues to build upon the philosophy that homeowners deserve the best that he can give.  Following this tradition, his team is committed to building every home as if were for their own family. That degree of care has earned Providence Homes an excellent reputation among REALTORS and homeowners alike.
Providence Homes is building in some of the most popular communities in Northeast Florida including Aberdeen, Durbin Crossing, Eagle Landing, Greenland Chase, World Golf Village, Nocatee and Victoria Lakes.

About ENERGY STAR
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, save money, and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners, committed to improving energy efficiency in homes, products, and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).