NCBA Honored Along with Past President

Steve Thomas of "This Old House," presents an "Outstanding Trade Ally" award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to John Ennis, Past President of the Niagara County Builders Association. Also on hand at the ENERGY STAR® Builder Awards Ceremony in Saratoga Springs was John's wife, Nancy Ennis and William Flynn. NYSERDA President.

The Niagara County Builders Association and past president John Ennis received special honors at the First Annual ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes Awards Ceremony held this past fall in Saratoga Springs. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority honored companies and individuals who are leaders in the field of energy-efficient home construction. Awards were presented by Steve Thomas of "This Old House" and William Flynn, President of NYSERDA.

The NCBA was honored as an Outstanding Trade Ally for its exceptional efforts in the promotion of ENERGY STAR® labeled homes and the recruitment of builders in New York. The mission of the NCBA has always been to make home ownership within the reach of every American family and now it is able to help ensure that those homes are energy-efficient as well. In 2001, the NCBA Festival of Homes at Wheatfield Heights was the first home show in all of New York State in which every home was ENERGY STAR® compliant. Participating builders included Anthony C. Barone, Sil Barone Homes, David Homes, Eddy and Lewin Homes and GT Custom Built Homes.

Past NCBA President John Ennis (2001) was honored for his efforts on behalf of the Kevin Guest House in Buffalo. The Kevin Guest House is the nation's first hospital hospitality house. For over 25 years, it has provided temporary, affordable accommodations to patients and their families who come to Buffalo to receive treatment at area medical centers. This non-profit organization serves more than 1,200 people annually and now, thanks to the work of Ennis and others, it will be able to do so at a significantly lower cost.

Ennis conceived a plan to extend NYSERDA's popular and proven energy-saving techniques designed for homeowners to this important local charity. "I really wanted to see this happen," says Ennis. "The Home Performance project is terrific because it saves significantly on energy bills, reduces the environmental impact of powering a home and even makes homes more comfortable by reducing drafts." The ENERGY STAR® program guidelines called for insulation upgrades, new high-efficiency water heaters and light bulbs and ENERGY STAR® labeled appliances. These improvements will save the Kevin Guest House over 30% on the monthly energy bills.

Click here for more information on the inaugural ENERGY STAR® Builder Awards, or for information about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®, call 1-877-NY-SMART or visit www.GetEnergySmart.org.