Thanks to an initiative sponsored by Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, area residents will be seeing "green" houses blossoming around the township. Starting on August 1, a Murray proposal that establishes ENERGY STAR requirements for the construction of new homes, passed by the Town Board earlier this year, will take effect. Murray and Santino discussed the new town law at a press conference, accompanied by colleagues on the Town Board, LIPA President and CEO Kevin Law, and Neal Lewis, Executive Director of Neighborhood Network.
"Conserving energy is key to protecting the environment," stated Murray. "By creating ENERGY STAR legislation, Hempstead Town is reducing the region's carbon footprint by a size or two, while decreasing energy costs for homeowners."
"Although this legislation mandates that new homes be ENERGY STAR rated, all homeowners would be smart to take a look at the energy consumption of their already-constructed homes and take the necessary steps to make it more energy-efficient," added Santino.
The new ENERGY STAR regulation will affect new residential dwellings that are constructed pursuant to building permits issued as of August 1, 2008. Compared to conventionally-built new homes, ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes continue to be nationally recognized for saving homeowners upwards of 30% on home energy costs because they feature the "best building practices and technologies" for higher efficiency. Home energy efficiency levels are improved in this program through enhanced insulation, better air sealing, mechanical ventilation, performance tested heating and cooling systems, and high-efficiency appliances, lighting and windows.
All parties involved are ready for the legislation to take effect. Officials at the Town's Building Department are ready to work with architects and builders to embrace this planet-protecting proposal. LIPA is ready to administer the program. Homeowners will reap the benefits of lower energy bills and will pay an integral role in creating a healthier planet for children, and generations to come.
The New York State ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes Program, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sponsored by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), is designed to help Long Island home buyers build energy-efficient, comfortable homes that use less energy, which in turn lowers annual energy costs, reduces air pollution and helps protect the environment. Energy Star is administered in New York by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA partners with LIPA to administer the program on Long Island.
"I commend Supervisor Murray and the Town Board for the actions the Town of Hempstead has taken to make this day possible," said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. "With over 500 ENERGY STAR homes built throughout LIPA's service territory, it is imperative that we continue to work with local government, businesses and civic leaders to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to relay the vital message of clean and efficient energy."
The town's ENERGY STAR home construction initiative was embraced by the Long Island Neighborhood Network, noted its Executive Director Neal Lewis. The network has been at the forefront of collaborative efforts with local governments which are focused on green energy, conservation and ecological responsibility.
"Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead are consistent leaders on responding to the twin-crises of global warming and skyrocketing energy prices," said Lewis. "This law will eliminate more than two tons of carbon dioxide for every home built each year and it will save future home owners between $23-75,000 in avoided fuel costs per house over the 20-year-mortgage time period."
"This is a win-win program for the town and homeowners alike," concluded Supervisor Murray. "Homeowners save money on energy bills and all parties are taking positive steps towards helping improve the environment."
# # #
T/sd
Loading...
2:12
LI News Tonight- NYIT Solar Houseby LINewsTonight4,095 views
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)