H.R. 2454 Cap and Trade Energy Bill explained

We had a question come in from a real estate agent about H.R. 2454 and how it requires a home seller to get their home up to the latest energy and water regulations before it can be sold. It seems that this information has been circulating the internet and e-mail lists for a couple of years now, and we wanted to set the record straight.

H.R. 2454 DOES NOT mandate the retrofiting of older homes to the latest energy or water standards. The Bill, which has not yet passed both houses yet, does have language about providing incentives to homeowners who choose to make these repairs.

See this Snopes.com page to learn more about this Bill and what it really says.


The second part of the question asked of us was whether or not we had HERS raters in the Columbia area that could help homeowners make these repairs. The answer is YES.

It is the suggestion of the HBA Green Building Council that, if a homeowner wishes to reduce their energy bill through home repairs or remodeling, they contact one of these professionals to find the best and most cost effective ways of doing so. Taking a "shotgun approach" to fixing these problems my result in spending remodeling dollars on the wrong items and not reducing energy costs whatsoever. A simple home energy audit performed by SCE&G (or other power company/co-op) or using an independant HERS rater can pinpoint the exact cause(s) of energy leakage in a particular home thus making repairs more effective in reducing energy loss.

Learn more at www.columbiagreenbuilders.com or contact us to find a HERS rater in our area.

SCE&G 2012 ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program

SCE&G has announced its 2012 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.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, a Program Information meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the SCE&G Lake Murray Training Center. Please e-mail Brad McCoy at BMccoy@icfi.com by Nov. 11 to secure seating for this session.

Green is Good for Business Conference

We've been attending/exhibiting in this conference since it was started. It's a great way to learn what's new in green technology and ideas in our city, state, region and nation. Here's what they have planned this year:

September 13, 2011 - Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

•The always popular Green Expo, bigger than ever
•Plenty of delicious, local foods
•Great green networking
•Exciting keynote speakers... this year: Harris Deloach Chairman and CEO of SC-based Sonoco Products, a multi-billion dollar global packaging manufacturer and 2011 Gold Class Award recipient in Sustainable Asset Management's Sustainability Yearbook 2011.
•Informative breakout sessions for all levels of green businesses
•As we celebrate the fifth year of the conference, we're mixing things up a little and have a few surprises up our green sleeves! (Check out the brand new Chevrolet Volt and other alternative fuel vehicles up close and personal).

Still a great deal at just $50 per person!
Save $10 per registration if you register three or more people from the same organization. Click here for more information.

September 13, 2011 - Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

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.