energy efficient homes

$10 million is available to help Virginia homeowners and small businesses cut their energy costs and implement renewable-energy systems. The money can be used to offset the expense energy-saving upgrades to heating and air conditioning, home insulation, windows, and the like. Funds are also available to encourage the purchase of wind and solar energy devices.

Read more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch....

This weekend marks the laungh of this year's Parade of Homes in Richmond and the Tri-Cities area, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The homes on display range in value from $170,000 to $1.5 million, and also use a variety of energy efficient materials.

Many homeowners enjoying looking at the Parade of Homes to keep them informed on designs and materials being used in new homes. For any homeowner in the Richmond and Tri-cities area looking to renovate or update their home, this would be a great place to get ideas.

"The annual Parade of Homes kicks off this weekend, showcasing new homes by builders in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area.

In all, 71 homes by 36 builders will be open for viewing the next three weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

This year's event is pared down from last year, when 130 homes by 60 builders were on display, as the housing slump continues to hammer the industry.

'We're fortunate to have this many entries,' said Victoria Moody with the Home Building Association of Richmond, the parade's organizer.

The annual Parade of Homes has been held since 1951. This year's 71 houses mark the fewest number since 1984, when 68 homes were open for touring.

'This is your best opportunity to see every type of new home imaginable, showcasing the latest in designs, construction techniques and materials, at prices ranging from $170,000 to $1.5 million,' according to promotional material.

This year's tour includes one of the country's first houses for entry-level buyers certified for energy savings by the National Association of Home Builders through the National Green Building Program.

The house, built by First Richmond Associates, is on the market for $209,500. It is certified at the bronze level, the lowest of four levels."

Read the full story.

One of the Commonwealth's universities is paving the way to energy efficient housing, as recently covered by the Roanoke Times. Va Tech has entered in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathalon with their solar-powered home LumenHaus.

Virginia homeowners can take a peak at what the future may hold for energy efficiency and using solar power by reviewing the features and design of LumenHaus.

"Imagine the house of the future.

If it gets too hot outside, the house reduces the need for air conditioning by drawing its shade panels.

When temperatures drop in winter, high-efficiency insulation panels slide in place to conserve heat.

In fact, this house could brew your morning coffee and turn on your favorite music before you get out of bed.

Welcome to LumenHaus, Virginia Tech's newest solar-powered 'smart house' and the university's entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon.

The name comes from 'lumen,' meaning 'power of light,' and 'haus,' a nod to the Bauhaus architectural movement that inspired the new prototype."

Read full story.

Check out Va Tech's smart house, LumenHaus.

WDBJ 7 covered a story recently about some excitement in Botetourt County. Residents in Daleville are looking forward to the completion of the Daleville Town Center,which will mimic Roanoke's City Market. In addition to a hopeful mixture of regional and national retail stores, a new housing community full of eco-friendly homes will also be bringing growth to town.

"In Botetourt County, there's a new community springing up this summer. Construction for the Daleville Town Center's commercial and retail shops is already in full swing. If you're driving along Route 220, be sure to say hi to the new neighbors in Daleville."

Read full story.

Making your home more energy efficient not only saves you money in the short term, it also adds to the value of your home.

Some Albemarle and Charlottesville homeowners will be getting their energy efficiency improvement projects paid for by the Local Energy Alliance Program, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Southeast Energy Alliance.

According to the Daily Progress:

"The first step will be to retrofit area homes and businesses. Retrofitting a property costs about $7,000... The program will offer loans, funded in part by the federal government, to cover the cost of retrofitting... [T]he loans would be paid back over time as supplemental payments on top of property taxes. Savings realized by the increased energy efficiency will almost pay for the loan itself..."

Officials also estimate that the LEAP initiative will create 1,600 jobs in the area.

Read the full story.