NYSERDA Recognizes Buffalo Area Businesses for Excellence in Energy Efficient New Home Construction

Four Local Companies Honored at First Annual ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes Awards Ceremony

Albany, NY - October 2002: The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is pleased to announce that four local companies took home top honors for achievement in energy-efficient residential construction at the inaugural ENERGY STAR® Builder Awards. Barden and Robeson Corporation, Home Performance Professionals, National Fuel Gas Company, and the Niagara County Builders Association all received awards at the September 18th ceremony held in Saratoga Springs, NY. The ENERGY STAR® Builder Awards were created to honor building professionals participating in the ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes program who are leaders in the field of energy-efficient residential construction.

ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes, an innovative public service developed under the New York Energy Smart program and sponsored by NYSERDA, offers residential building professionals the advantage of distinguishing their homes from their competitors when it comes to lower energy costs, greater comfort, durability, and value. ENERGY STAR® labeled homes are nationally recognized for using 30% less energy than conventional new homes. They are built to higher standards for energy efficiency, incorporating the latest proven technologies, advanced building practices, and traditional craftsmanship. The New York ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes initiative is designed to help lower energy costs for New Yorkers, reduce energy demand, protect the environment, and create new economic development opportunities for builders and contractors.

"Our goal is to help New Yorkers lower their energy costs, and that's why ENERGY STAR® labeled homes are the smart choice," explains William M. Flynn, President of NYSERDA. "In addition, ENERGY STAR® labeled homes are a way we can all do our part to improve our energy security by saving energy and reducing our reliance on imported energy."

The awards were distributed by spokesperson Steve Thomas, host of This Old House, along with William Flynn during the First Annual Build ENERGY STAR® - New York 2002 conference held in Saratoga Springs, NY on September 18-19, 2002. The conference is a two-day training event that offers residential building professionals a chance to learn about the latest state-of-the-art techniques in energy-efficient residential construction, as well as discover solutions to common building problems.

Niagara County Builders Association Honored as an Outstanding Trade Ally

The Niagara County Builders Association was honored as an Outstanding Trade Ally for their exceptional efforts in the promotion of ENERGY STAR® labeled homes and the recruitment of builders in New York. "Home ownership can and should be within the reach of every American family," is the mission of the Niagara County Builders Association. The Association works to support its membership, community and its members' customers to reach the goal of affordable home ownership for every American. The Niagara County Builders Association is located in Niagara Falls, NY.

Barden Homes and Robeson Corporation Recognized for Excellence in Advertising

Barden Homes and Robeson Corporation received the Excellence in Advertising award for the overall effectiveness and reach of their ENERGY STAR® labeled homes advertising campaign. Since 1909, the Barden companies have proudly remained family owned and operated, with the mission to build the dreams that help America grow. Barden Homes manufactures pre-engineered, "panelized" state-of-the-art construction for homes and commercial buildings that yield significant savings in both material and labor costs while providing architectural beauty and functionality for a variety of environments.

Home Performance Professionals Praised for Outstanding Partnership

The award for Outstanding Partnership for producing the greatest number of Home Energy Ratings conducted for ENERGY STAR® labeled homes in New York was awarded to Home Performance Professionals of Tonawanda, NY. Martin A. Bakowski, owner of Home Performance Professionals, began in 1995 as an energy consulting company. Since then the company has expanded and provides retrofit services for existing homes, Home Energy Rating System (HERS) ratings for new construction, energy consulting and course instruction for auditor training.

National Fuel Gas Company Recognized as an Exemplary Program Ally

National Fuel Gas Company, headquartered in Buffalo, NY, was recognized as an Exemplary Program Ally due to their superior training and recruiting efforts on behalf of ENERGY STAR® labeled homes in New York. Since 1902, National Fuel has offered custom-tailed solutions to meet individual energy needs, big or small. National Fuel continues to be industry leaders, aggressively integration options and a range of services so their customers can enjoy the safe, reliable delivery of energy at a competitive price.

ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes Builder Award Winners

Superior Sales:

Ryan Homes, NVR Inc.

Excellence in Advertising:

Barden Homes and Robeson Corporation

Outstanding Achievement:

Belmonte Builders

Excellence in Energy Performance:

Cornacchini Construction

Outstanding Partnership:

Home Performance Professionals

Exemplary Program Ally:

National Fuel Gas Company

Outstanding Trade Allies:

Curtis Lumber Company Niagara County Builders Association Rochester Home Builders Association Home Builders Association of Central New York

NYSERDA administers New York Energy Smart programs, such as ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes, which are designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation.

All New York Energy Smart programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission. For more information about ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.