Energy Trust of Oregon recognizes Legend Homes for achieving top Energy Performance Score
TIGARD, Ore. — June 17, 2010 — Energy Trust of Oregon has honored three local builders with the 2010 Ultimate EPS Award for their efforts in building new homes that go well beyond the standard Oregon building code to provide high levels of energy efficiency, low monthly energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint. The awards were given during the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland’s Excellence Awards held in late May.
Launched in 2009, the Energy Performance Score is a tool that helps homebuyers see how energy efficient a new home is and review monthly energy costs before they buy. The home is inspected and verified by Energy Trust and assigned a numerical score. The lower the score, the better, with zero energy consumption being the best. It is often compared to a miles per gallon rating for a car.
The Ultimate EPS Award was created around the HBA’s Ultimate Open House event held earlier this spring, and recognizes the lowest energy scores assigned to the homes of participating builders at the event.
Portland-based Legend Homes received an award for lowest EPS in the “Home Over 2,000 Square Feet with Solar” category for its home built in Tigard.
The 2,089-square-foot home is part of Legend’s Earth Smart series of home plans designed for a high level of energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality and environmental responsibility. Solar power is standard with the home, along with energy-saving features such as a 92 percent efficiency gas furnace, R-49 insulation and an overall smaller, more efficient footprint. Legend’s home has an EPS of 65, with energy costs estimated at $89 per month, and is both ENERGY STAR and Earth Advantage certified.
“Builders like Legend Homes are leading the way in providing new homes that feature built-in energy efficiency, and an easy way for buyers to know what they can expect to pay each month in utility costs,” said Kendall Youngblood, residential sector manager, Energy Trust.
Other winning builders include Marnella Homes of Milwaukie for lowest EPS in the “Home Over 2,000 Square Feet without Solar” category and Costa Pacific of Wilsonville for lowest EPS in the “Home Under 2,000 Square Feet without Solar” category.
For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa Scholin 503-977-0483 lisa@blueflypr.com
To learn more about Legend Homes or to tour the winning EPS home currently for sale, go to www.legendhomes.com.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $600 million in energy costs. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.