(SUMMER 2008) - When it comes to homebuilding, “green” is the new buzzword –and in addition to the obvious benefit to the environment, savvy eco-friendlyhomeowners can enjoy the additional benefits of cost savings. Homeowners standto save significantly while doing their part for the planet, says Rick Dowden,certified remodeler with Masterpiece Remodeling & Design.

“The concept of going green is constantly changing,” says Dowden. “What was considered cutting edge sustainable building practice five years ago is considered standard building code by the city of Austin now. Austin has beenforward-thinking and raised the environmental bar so that in the near futureall Austin homes will be using less energy.”

Dowden confirms the most popular green building features are geared toward energy conservation - from air sealing/tight construction, increased insulation,water-reducing plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, HVAC units andwindows and instant tankless gas water heaters. Substantial energy rebates areavailable for many of these systems and products.

“Austin Energy offers customers one of the country’s best solar photovoltaic rebates,at $4.50 per watt, which pays 45 to 75 percent of the cost of installing asystem,” says Dowden. “For a typical residence the installation of a onekilowatt (1,000 watts) solar photovoltaic system, which is the smallest system considered practical, is between $6,000 to $10,000. Austin Energy will rebate$4,500. The City of Austin gives a rebate of 15 cents per gallon up to $500 forcollected rainwater.”

“If everyone in the U.S. would use five compact fluorescent bulbs in their home, it would equate to eliminating 10,000 cars on the road per year,” says Dowden.“Austin’s code amendments cycle began in 2006, and construction professionals expect that by 2015 all new Austin homes measuring 2,400 square feet will havezero-energy capability. The code will adjust every three years until this goalis met.”

“It’s even more important than ever to select a trustworthy and eco-friendlycontractor/builder who will make green building a priority by incorporating up-to-date environmentally friendly practices into the design and constructionof a remodeling job,” says Dowden. “You can visit the Austin Energy GreenBuilding website at www.austinenergy.com for a list of qualified contractors.”

Interested in learning more about green remodeling? CallMasterpiece Remodeling & Design at (512) 338-4220 or stop by their officeat 8500 N. Mopac, Suite 810, Austin. You may also visit their website at www.masterpieceaustin.com.

How A Solar Energy System Works

It’s A Simple Three-Step Process:

1.  Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted on your roof,where they collect energy from the sun in the form of direct currentelectricity.
2.  The directcurrent electricity is then converted by an inverter into alternating currentelectricity for use by your home.
3.  The alternating current electricity is fed directly intoyour home, just like it is from your electricity provider. And since the solarenergy system works in tandem with your electricity provider, you’ll continueto get electricity from them when you need more than the solar energy systemcan provide (e.g. during overcast weather and at night).