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| Net-zero-energy homes in United States While congratulating the teams at the Closing Awards Ceremony of the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition, Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced over $44 million to support the commercialization and promotion of advanced solar and other clean energy technologies. "Promoting the early commercialization of solar and other energy efficient technologies will help secure America's clean energy future", Secretary Bodman said. The four Building America contractor teams include the Building Science Corporation; IBACOS; Consortium of Advanced Residential Buildings; and Building Industry Research Alliance; these teams, consortium of academic and building industry leaders, will receive $40 million over the next five years (FY2008-FY2012, subject to annual appropriations) to develop net-zero-energy homes. These homes will be highly energy efficient - using 70 percent less energy than homes built to current building codes - and will incorporate solar or other onsite renewable systems to provide the balance of their energy needs. This funding is part of the Building America program, a private/public partnership sponsored by DOE that conducts systems research to improve overall housing performance, increase housing durability and comfort, reduce energy use, and increase energy security for America's homeowners. Secretary Bodman also announced two regional building technology application centers at The University of Central Florida and Washington State University that will serve 17 states. DOE awarded $4.1 million, subject to negotiation and annual appropriation, to accelerate the adoption of new and developing energy-efficient technologies by the market. These centers will deliver information and training on commercially available energy saving technologies, processes, and tools that have been developed by DOE and provide a regional resource for market transformation by providing technology and best practices needed to produce marketable, energy-efficient buildings. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |