News
Integrated Renewable Energy Certified to Offer Home Energy Rating Service (HERS)
For Immediate Release
SEATTLE, WA - Integrated Renewable Energy (IRE) of Seattle, WA announced today that it received certification from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to provide Home Energy Ratings Service (HERS) to builders, realtors, mortgage professionals, and homeowners.
A certified Home Energy Rating is required for builders to receive the Federal tax credit for building energy efficient homes. A home with a certified Home Energy Rating also enables buyers to obtain an Energy Efficiency Mortgage (EEM), increasing the likelihood of a sale. Buyers qualifying for an EEM are approved to borrow a larger amount since their monthly energy expenses will be lower than typical.
In its announcement, IRE noted that the Portland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) now includes an entry for a property's certified energy rating so that buyers can make better informed decisions. In addition, the City of Portland is considering legislation that will mandate that by 2010 any residence being put up for sale within the city have a certified home energy rating.
"This is clearly the wave of the future in residential property transactions," said Paul Birkeland, Integrated Renewable Energy founder and principal. "Home energy costs are significant and rising, and buyers are demanding to know how different properties will perform."
A home energy rating involves an assessment of a home's thermal envelope, negative pressure testing of the home to determine leakage rates, and pressure testing of any forced air ducts to determine losses to unconditioned space. The results of these activities along with the physical description of the home itself enable the calculation of a HERS home energy rating.
"The real estate industry has always been one of the first to respond to societal trends," said Birkeland. "We want to support the industry as they address this new demand from buyers and implement this new tool to encourage sales."
View the IRE HERS Certification Press Release: PDF, 400KB
Integrated Renewable Energy provides consulting services for renewable energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, and green building design. Services include feasibility assessments, cost estimating, project development, and project management. For more information, contact Paul Birkeland at pbirkeland@IntegratedRenewableEnergy.com, or 206-517-2875, or see our web site at www.IntegratedRenewableEnergy.com.
Integrated Renewable Energy Certified to Conduct Carbon Footprint Inventories And Assessments
For Immediate Release
SEATTLE, WA - Integrated Renewable Energy of Seattle, WA announced today that it is initiating a carbon footprint inventories and assessments service. These inventories are conducted in compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol developed by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The inventories are compliant with ISO 14000, and accepted by most agencies and organizations involved in greenhouse gas tracking, crediting, and regulating.
Carbon Footprint Inventory and Estimation Service quantifies a business's carbon footprint. It is the first step in targeting energy cost savings, enabling improved energy management, operational efficiencies, and increased revenues. Undertaking a carbon footprint assessment also generates a positive image amongst customers, improves shareholder relations, and facilitates employee recruitment.
For more information, contact Paul Birkeland at pbirkeland@IntegratedRenewableEnergy.com, or 206-517-2875.
View the IRE Carbon Footprint Press Release: PDF, 75 KB
Integrated Renewable Energy: United States Green Building Council Member
Integrated Renewable Energy is now a member of the United States Green Building Council. The USGBC works towards transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, envisioning an environmentally responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. (February 2007)
