Green: The New Standard?

Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine is looking at the state of real estate in our area in their July 2011 issue (now available). HBA President Wade McGuinn and Vice President Tony Thompson weigh in on the local market in this issue.

Another article takes a look at "green" residential construction in the Greater Columbia, SC area. Green Building Council of Greater Columbia Chairman Joseph Gilmore, past Chairman Mark Bostic, and members Thom Chumney and David Watkins all speak on their experiences with building and remodeling green. Check it out here.

The Responsible Bathroom Water Conservation Tour 2011

Water Utilities are at the forefront of water conservation. We are ready to inform consumers, as well as plumbers, about wisely using the available supply of clean water. As a water customer, you can benefit from water conservation tips to save water, energy, and money in your own household.

Here's one way to do that: Attend this event! (Details below)
- Get info to save you money on purchasing water-efficient products
- See hands-on demonstrations featuring new technology
FREE water conserving showerhead with purchase of low flow toilet to first 25 attendees!

Join us at HD Supply on Monday, June 20 from 11a to 1:30p for this free event. Located in West Columbia at 1065 Sunset Blvd., W. Columbia, 29169.

2011 Energy Expo and Fair Housing Event

Lexington & Richland Counties along with the City of Columbia present this free-to-attend event Friday, April 29 from 10a to 6p at the Saluda Shoals Park River Center. We'll be among the energy efficiency and demo exhibits and we're also giving a talk on green homes. Come on out and see us!

SCE&G 2011 ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program

SCE&G is proud to announce its 2011 ENERGY STAR New Homes Program. SCE&G will be offering financial, marketing, and training incentives to participating home builders that construct ENERGY STAR qualified homes in its electric service area.

To kick off this year’s Program, SCE&G will be conducting a Program Information meeting at their training center in Lexington, SC. Attending this meeting will provide all the information needed to maximize participation in the 2011 Program.

Current and prospective ENERGY STAR home builders and staff are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP at energyteam@sceg.com by February 28th to secure seating. Refreshments will be served.


Friday, March 4
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Murray Training Center
1888 North Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29072

Home Performance with Energy Star® Program through SCE&G

SCE&G will begin accepting contractors to participate in its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. The rebate program offers SCE&G’s electric customers up to $2,500 for air sealing, insulation, duct sealing, HVAC equipment and improvements and water heating equipment. This program is for EXISTING HOMES, not new construction.

Customer Eligibility

Rebates are available to SCE&G electric customers (see attached service territory map) living in separately metered, single family (attached or detached) residences who hire a program participating contractor to install qualified measures which meet program efficiency level requirements. Rebates are only available to customers who purchase and install energy efficient measures through a participating SCE&G Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.

How to Become a Participating Contractor

To participate in the Program, contractors must complete an online Contractor Participation Agreement and submit documentation including a current South Carolina General Contractors License, BPI BA Certification, and a Certificate of Insurance.

For more details about the program, please register to attend the Program Overview Session by replying to this email with the session that you’d like to attend or email us at energyteam@sceg.com.

Program Overview Sessions

Charleston Area
Wednesday, March 2
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Sand Dunes Club
1735 Atlantic Avenue
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Columbia Area
Friday, March 4
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Lake Murray Training Center
1888 North Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29072