News

LOCAL HOME BUILDERS LAUNCH NEW GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM
Aims to Build More Energy-Efficient and Environmentally-Friendly Homes in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (March 13, 2006) — The Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico is unveiling a new, locally-relevant green building program called Build Green New Mexico™. This program, partnered with the Green Building Initiative™, is designed to help bring more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes to the Albuquerque area by providing a baseline for practical green building approaches for local builders.

"As a builder in New Mexico for 20 years, I've noticed the increased demand for more green building options and I salute the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico for managing this important issue and developing a structured program and guidelines for area home builders and developers," said Steve Hale, founding member of the Green Building Task Force of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico.

"Until recently, green building has remained the domain of a relatively small number of niche builders," said Robert Lupton, president of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico. "We are proud to introduce Build Green New Mexico. This comprehensive green building program will help more Albuquerque homeowners appreciate the numerous benefits of green built homes."

BENEFITS OF GREEN HOMES
While green is at the core of green building, the construction trend goes beyond just saving the environment. Owners of green homes reap various benefits that include utility savings, improved indoor air quality and less overall maintenance. Not surprisingly, green homes also have less negative impact on the environment by saving energy and reducing waste, particularly during construction.

"With energy costs continuing to rise, everyone wants to save money on monthly utility bills," said Lupton. "When you also factor in improved indoor air quality, you really begin to see the true value of a green home."

THE GUIDELINES
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to green building, the Build Green New Mexico guidelines will be customized to the local climate and based on fundamental green building principles including:

Minimize Solar Heat Gain

• Position the structure so the longest walls and most of the windows face south
• Position infrequently used rooms, such as storage spaces and service areas, on the west side to act as buffers from the sun

Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation

• Ensure that most rooms have windows on two walls
• Position windows for cross ventilation

Create a Cool Shell

• Consider light colored surfaces for walls and roofing
• Choose metal, concrete or wood roofing, which absorb less heat than asphalt shingles

Improve Home Performance and reduce utility costs

• Build each home to meet the standards of the Energy Star® for New Homes Program

Ensure Efficient Heating and Cooling

• Select right sized heating and cooling equipment
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Install ceiling fans in major rooms

Use Efficient Appliances and Lights

• Use Energy Star® rated appliances
• Install task lighting to reduce the need to light whole rooms

Choose "Green" Materials

• Consider renewable and sustainable lumber for framing, doors and flooring
• Consider materials with recycled content (i.e. fly ash, slag, carpet, insulation, siding, roofing, flooring, countertops, outdoor decking)
• Use non-chemical, bio-based cleaning products

Build Green New Mexico will provide technical expertise to help local builders use the guidelines and will collaborate with the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico to encourage the construction of green built homes across Albuquerque.

For more information on Build Green New Mexico, visit www.hbacnm.com or call (505) 344-3294.