4:10 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY - This is a press release from the Energy Conservation Strategies Commission. Established in March of 2007, they are producing a comprehensive report on energy use and its relationship to climate change and local socio-economic impacts. This report will be submitted to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners at a future date.
You probably know your automobile's gasoline mileage (MPG, or miles per gallon), and the 'Energy Star' rating for some household appliances. But did you know that there is also a rating that can be assigned to your largest energy consumer - your home? Would it have been helpful for you to know this rating before you rented or bought your home?
The Home Energy Ratings System (HERS) provides a relative energy use index called the 'HERS Index'. An Index of 150 represents the energy use of the "American Standard Building", and an Index of 0 indicates that the home uses no net purchased energy (a 'Zero Energy' home). Each point on the Index represents 1% of total energy use. A home with a HERS Index of 200 (and monthly energy bill of $300) will use twice the energy as a home with a HERS Index of 100 (and monthly energy bill of $150.)
A Nationally Certified/State of Florida licensed rater performs an inspection and conducts specific performance tests on a new or existing home, and provides recommendations for cost-effective improvements to upgrade the home's energy efficiency. For detailed information, visit
http://www.natresnet.org/
The HERS Index is officially recognized by the federal government for verification of building energy performance for federal tax incentives; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'Energy Star' program; the U.S. Department of Energy 'Building America', as well as the U.S. mortgage industry for 'Energy Efficient Mortgages'; and to determine the value for carbon credits.
The Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission (ECSC) is considering inclusion of this HERS rating system in its May, 2008 final report for the County Commission. Should the total energy costs of owning or renting a home be disclosed, prior to making a final decision to rent or buy that home?
We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.
Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission:
Chris Fillie, Stephen Mulkey, Ken Fonorow, Warren Nielsen, Dwight Adams, Bill Shepherd, Tom Lane, Penny Wheat, Mark Spiller and Wendell Porter
For more information, please contact Sean McLendon, Administrative Coordinator, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, at (352) 264-6800
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