EnergyValue Awards Application Period Opens
 Applications for the 2006 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) program in honor of builders who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction and marketing of new homes are now being accepted by the NAHB Research Center, it was announced last week.
“The building industry’s efforts to incorporate energy efficiency and environmental consciousness are growing each year,” said Michael Luzier, president of the Research Center. “The 2006 EVHA presents an exciting new opportunity to share the best practices of some of the industry’s most innovative professionals.” The awards will be presented at the 2006 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. in the affordable, custom/demonstration, factory-built, production and multifamily categories for hot-, moderate- and cold-climate regions. A judging panel of experts on energy efficiency representing the engineering, construction, design and marketing fields will evaluate applicants based on their homes’ energy value, design, construction methods and processes, marketing and customer relations efforts, and participation in voluntary energy programs. All applicants receive a detailed evaluation of their entries, complimentary passes to the awards dinner ceremony and a copy of the “EVHA Guide: How to Build and Profit With Energy Efficiency in New Home Construction.” Winners of the competition will be featured on the Research Center Web site and in trade and mainstream publications. They will also have the opportunity to share their success stories at workshops, educational programs and conferences. All professional U.S. home builders whose primary occupation is constructing homes, developing real estate, or both — including previous winners who are presenting new homes — are eligible to participate in the awards. The homes offered for consideration must have been completed after January 2003 and before the awards application is submitted. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 8, and discounted application fees are available for entries that are submitted by July 11. Companies are allowed to submit only one application per category, up to a maximum of five applications in the competition’s 15 categories. The EVHA is coordinated by the NAHB Research Center in partnership with NAHB Energy Subcommittee and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For an application or more information, click here. | 
