On Monday, February 15, 2010, representatives from Kent Homes provided a guided tour of the house and all its energy-efficient features to local and provincial government officials, as well as representatives from Efficiency NB.
"The energy efficiency of home construction has steadily improved in the past 40 years, but Evergreen Homes is taking energy efficiency and sustainability to a new level," said Wayne Power, Vice President of Kent Homes. "Our Evergreen Homes are built for durability, comfort, air quality, and both water and energy efficiency, putting our homes in the top 10 percent of the most energy-efficient homes built in New Brunswick since the introduction of the Efficiency NB New Homes Program."
The Kent Homes Evergreen Series are inspired by GE's ecomagination(SM) and built to the requirements of the MASCO Environments for Living(R) Certified Green program and combine three great brands to deliver a first-of-its-kind solution to Atlantic Canadian and New England homeowners.
The Environment for Living Certified Green Program, which is performance-based, applies standards in energy efficiency, resource/material efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. Requirements include the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, environment-friendly paint products, low flow plumbing fixtures and high efficiency toilets. The building science requirements of the program help optimize the home's "envelope" by incorporating standards for tight construction, fresh air ventilation, improved thermal systems, correctly sized heating and cooling systems, interior moisture management, indoor environmental quality, and combustion safety.
"The Evergreen Home is a welcome addition to the overall effort to reduce our consumption of energy," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "Building an energy-efficient new home is a sound investment. It increases the value of the home, and it lowers energy and operating costs," Keir said.
Independent energy efficiency testing of the home on February 3rd confirmed the high efficiency rating of the Evergreen home.
"The EnerGuide rating of 86 is impressive. In fact, to qualify for incentives through our New Homes Program, homes must be built to at least an EnerGuide 80 rating. This is considered excellent for any new home," said Elizabeth Weir, President and Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency NB. "A rating of 86 means the Evergreen home will use 58% less energy than most similar-sized new homes built in New Brunswick today and that could mean saving up to $1400 annually on energy costs for homes that use electricity for heating."
"As we continue to work toward our goal of being a self-sufficient province by 2026, the development of environment-friendly products that support a green economy will be very important," said Environment Minister Rick Miles. "The Evergreen Home is another example of Kent Homes' leadership in meeting, and often surpassing, environmental standards and striving to be a leader in their industry when it comes to the environment. The construction of Evergreen Homes in New Brunswick will certainly be a benefit as we strive to reach the goals set out in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan."
In fact, the Evergreen Home at 177 Rouse Street, uses significantly less energy than energy-efficient homes with an EnerGuide rating of 80. In comparison, the Evergreen Home with an 86 rating consumes 47 percent less energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3 tonnes annually.
At the heart of Evergreen by Kent Homes(TM) is GE's SmartCommand Enviro Monitor, an easy-to-use interactive touchscreen wall panel that integrates green, comfortable, and secure living through a home network. It provides the homeowner with current and historical feedback on electricity and indoor water consumption. It also tracks the real-time reduction in the home's emissions as compared to an average new home. The SmartCommand Enviro Monitor also provides controls for programmable thermostats, security system, and intercom/audio systems.
"Our company is committed to the environmental, economic, and social well being of the communities where we live and work, as well as providing products that reduce our environmental footprint," said Jim Irving, President of J.D. Irving, Limited. "We appreciate the support of Efficiency New Brunswick (ENB) during construction of this first home. ENB's advice and expertise has helped achieve a home with one of the highest levels of energy efficiency in New Brunswick today."
"Our strategy is to add value for our customers by offering leading-edge designs and options," said Wayne Power. "There's been a major shift in consumer buying patterns in North America. Consumers are demanding greener products and construction techniques. Our existing low-waste and efficient indoor manufacturing platform, combined with GE and Masco Home Services' technology and design standards, will enable us to deliver world-class sustainable homes unlike anyone else in our region."
Financial Incentives for Evergreen Home Buyers
- Efficiency NB offers grants of up to $3000 to homeowners with EnerGuide
ratings of 80 or higher and a bonus of $250 for using Energy Star(TM)
appliances and lighting fixtures.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing offers a 10% refund on mortgage loan
insurance premium ( NS, NB, and PEI).
- Enbridge Gas (NB) offers a $3000 rebate for customers who choose
natural gas.
- Conserve NS offers $500 rebate for EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher.
- Heritage Gas ( NS) offers up to $2000 for natural gas hook up.
About Kent Homes
Kent Homes is Atlantic Canada's largest modular home builder. We've been building quality structures since 1958 as part of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of businesses. Kent Homes construction employs a team of up to 300 at modern facilities in Bouctouche, New Brunswick and Debert, Nova Scotia. For more information, visit the company's website at www.kenthomes.com
About Efficiency NB
Efficiency NB offers sound advice and practical solutions to help New Brunswickers use energy more efficiently, make better energy choices, manage energy expenses, and lessen the impact of energy use on the environment. For more information, visit the website at www.efficiencynb.ca
/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/
Newstex ID: PRN-0001-42082017
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