By: KC McGurren

Chuk Bowles received a Housing Leadership Award at Virginia Housing Coalition's 30th Anniversary celebration and Annual Housing Awards Dinner on June 23, 2011.  As you might guess, Chuk was so humbled by the award that he recognized the efforts of many individuals, organizations and projects that have established Virginia as a leader in sustainable, affordagle housing.  Presenting this award were Karl Bren and Bob Adams, with audience chants of, "Two, four six, eight, how much longer must we wait...Housing Trust Fund, Housing Trust Fund."

The Virginia Housing Coalition strives to improve access to safe and affordable housing, through the support of individuals and organizations working to promote affordable housing and the development of public policy.

This year's Housing Leadership Awards also included Jim Chandler (Virginia Housing Development Authority), Mike Hawkins (Virginia housing Development Authority), Jane Henderson (Virginia Community Capital), and Stephen Smith (AHC, Inc.)  Fran Lofurno and Larry Yates were inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame and Ralph Nodine of Virginia Community Development Corporation received the Virginia S. Peters Housing Award.  Congratulations!

By: Sean Shanley

There have been many changes in the residential green building world this year, most of them centered around the Energy Star changes. Energy Star’s previous v2, Energy Star’s current v2.5, and soon-to- be Energy Star v3—it’s hard not to get confused with all the different versions and timelines. The EarthCraft Single Family Worksheet v2.5 took effect for any house starting after 1/1/11.

Wait, it gets more confusing because the Energy Star timeline is less straightforward. Any house permitted before April 1, 2011 will use v2 until the end of the year. Houses permitted after April 1, 2011 will use v2.5 until the end of the year. All houses completed after the end of the year, regardless of the permit date, will use v3. Clear as mud, right?

Since the program’s launch in Virginia, EarthCraft Homes have been required to co-certify with Energy Star. This remains the case for 2011. Starting January 1, 2012, this will no longer hold true for houses at the EarthCraft House Certified level. However, Gold and Platinum houses will still have to earn the Energy Star label, but Certified houses will just be held to the v2.5 standards.

There are several reasons EarthCraft made this decision. One of the main reasons is that for v3, Energy Star will require HVAC contractors to undergo training and be on a list of approved contractors. So far, few HVAC contractors have taken the steps necessary to become approved contractors. It would place an undue burden on builders if we required v3, and there were not qualified HVAC contractors to service projects.

Another reason is that Energy Star v3 is in a state of flux. The program is currently being revised quarterly and eventually will be revised every 6 months. We feel this is too often to make adherence to the program a requirement.

Above all, we recognize that the housing market has not recovered yet and introducing significant extra cost to comply with version 3 is not practical. We feel that it will be more beneficial for everyone to allow grace period to ramp-up to the Energy Star v3 requirements. Hey, we’re on your side.

By: Philip Agee

After two years of Pilot Phase Development, Southface Energy Institute is launching the newest addition to the EarthCraft House Program, EarthCraft Light Commercial.

Much like the EarthCraft single family and multifamily programs, EarthCraft Light Commercial offers an intensive level of support during the design and construction process, focusing on the energy‐ and water‐efficient design strategies specific to smaller commercial buildings, as well as prescriptive measures that enhance builder education on sustainable construction practices. This program is particularly well‐suited to office buildings, retail showrooms, community centers, club houses, corner stores, learning centers, churches and other commercial building projects 15,000 square feet or less.

This past year Triple C Camp, located just south of Charlottesville was the first project in Virginia to certify under the EarthCraft Light Commercial Pilot Program. “The Nest” which is used by the camp as an Environmental Education Center, was built by Charlottesville’s T.E.A.L. Construction. The design featured a conditioned crawlspace, advanced framing techniques, blown cellulose and open cell foam package, tight ductwork and the tightest building envelope tested by EarthCraft Virginia to date (0.05 ACH/n). Congratulations to Triple C Camp, T.E.A.L. Construction, Airflow Systems Inc., and Creative Conservation on a great project.

For questions regarding the Light Commercial Program, email Philip Agee at Philip.Agee@earthcraftvirginia.org.

By: Paigh Bumgarner

In coordination with Jimmy North and Airflow Heating and Air, we co- hosted the first annual float trip on June 25-26th. The relaxing get away attracted between 50-60 people who spent a great weekend on the river. The trip began early Saturday morning where canoes, kayaks and tubes were launched upriver in Scottsville en route to home base- a beautiful 600 acre farm fronting the river. Once all the floaters landed at the camp site, dinner preparations began. The amount and array of potluck food that everyone contributed was outstanding and thoroughly enjoyed, along with a variety of meats on the grills. Smiles on the faces of every guest were evidence that good times were had by all. While some retreated to their tents exhausted from the river, others gathered around the camp fire enjoying their favorite beverage, roasting marshmallows, playing music, or watching the fireworks. After a cool night’s sleep on the river Chuk Bowles prepared his famous sausage gravy and eggs. Some folks enjoyed another float on Sunday, while others packed up to head home. Special shout outs go to party planners: Philip Agee, Chuk Bowles, and Jimmy and Mary North!

By: Stephen Reed

With several new stores opening or relocating recently, Habitat for Humanity organizations now operate 26 “ReStores” across Virginia, bringing the total to over 700 in the US.

These local retail outlets operate independently of one another, but a typical ReStore will sell reusable building materials, home furnishings, appliances and other household items. Certain ReStores also stock brand new donated materials including cabinets, flooring, area rugs, and custom windows and doors.

ReStores provide an environmentally responsible way to keep quality, reusable materials out of the waste stream, with donations coming in from homeowners, remodelers, and businesses. These stores provide an opportunity for you to shop locally while supporting a non-profit organization in your community, and could also save money on your next repair or improvement project.