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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Cartersville, GA, United States, 2006/05/04 - Atlanta builder, Have Properties was recently named Energy Star® Partner of the year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commends Haven for protecting the environment through energy efficiency.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Haven Properties its Energy Star® 2006 Partner of the Year, honoring the Atlanta builder’s outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by building energy-efficient homes. Haven Properties is the first Georgia homebuilder to commit to building 100 percent of its homes to meet Energy Star requirements.To qualify as an Energy Star home, newly constructed residences must meet EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. The homes are third-party verified by the Southface Energy Institute to be at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard construction. This means homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on their utility bills each year. Haven Properties currently has more than 100 homes under construction throughout metro Atlanta, and all will qualify for the prestigious Energy Star rating.
“Haven Properties is committed to building high performance homes using Energy Star and EarthCraft construction techniques,” said Mike Baptist, President of Haven Properties. “Our homes have better indoor air quality, minimized moisture intrusion, energy efficiency – all things that make homes quieter and more comfortable to live in. On top of that, as the EPA points out, we’re helping maintain a better environment for homeowners’ families and ours in the coming generations.”
Haven Properties is one of some 8,000 organizations from around the nation participating in the Energy Star program. More than 2,500 builders have constructed more than 500,000 Energy Star qualified new homes, saving homeowners more than $110 million annually. Last year alone, with the help of Energy Star, Americans saved $12 billion on their energy bills and enough peak energy to power 28 million homes. Through those savings, they avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 23 million vehicles. For its part, Haven Properties has constructed 176 Energy Star homes in metro Atlanta since becoming an Energy Star partner in 2004.
Some of the energy efficient features in a Haven built home include high efficient HVAC systems and water heaters; upgraded insulation packages; tight construction and ductwork; controlled ventilation; and high performance windows.
“Energy Star homes come with important benefits for homeowners and help protect our environment,” said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division. “We applaud Haven Properties’ efforts to create a new generation of homes that offer efficiency, comfort and durability.”
Energy Star was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 8,000 organizations are Energy Star partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about Energy Star, call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES.
Second-generation homebuilder Michael Baptist founded Haven Properties in 1993 with the primary goal of building the highest quality home possible and creating a gratifying home buying experience for every homeowner. Every Haven-built home is EarthCraft House and Energy Star certified. Haven Properties currently builds homes in Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Douglas, Forsyth and South Fulton counties with price ranges from the $300,000s to the $700,000s. Haven Properties is an active member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, is a Certified Professional Home Builder and a member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on Haven Properties, call 770-752-0919.
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