Energy Star recognizes MTEMC for building energy efficient homes

MTEMC Energy Advisor Mandy Martin places a sign in front of a Rutherford County home that meets Energy Star requirements. In 2007, MTEMC qualified approximately 214 homes that met the criteria designated by the program.

This year, Middle Tennessee Electric qualified as a recipient for Energy Star’s annual Homes Leadership in Housing Award.

“Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency recognizes builders, providers, raters and utilities that achieve specific levels of accomplishment,” said Amber Wysocki , associate with Inner City Funds International, an organization who partners with the EPA to promote growth in the Energy Star program. “The ones that certify at least 50 homes each year qualify for the award.”

In 2007, MTEMC’s New Homes Program, which rewards builders and homeowners for building energy efficient homes, certified more than 200 homes throughout the cooperative’s service area as Energy Star.

“We’re excited to see people get excited about energy efficiency,” Wysocki said. “It’s great seeing MTEMC be such an advocate and positive push for the Energy Star program.”

MTEMC brought Energy Star on board its New Homes Program in 2004 and since that time has certified more than 500 homes.

“Energy Star homes, besides functioning more efficiently, are proven to save members money on their electric bills and are better for the environment,” MTEMC Residential Marketing Supervisor Tom Moreland said. “We’re proud to be a partner with Energy Star, and it’s exciting to be recognized with this award.”

According to Energy Star, MTEMC’s achievement of certifying approximately 214 homes is equivalent to eliminating the emissions from 150 vehicles and planting 21 acres of trees.

Posted on May 7, 2008.