For More Information:
Sue O’Brien, Colle+McVoy
612-305-6110 (work)
319-231-6129 (cell)
sue.obrien@collemcvoy.com
Attachment: Propane Execeptional Energy Award
LAS VEGAS (January 20, 2009) — Tallman Builders of Fairfield, Conn., and Dean Davis Builders of Rutland, Vt., have received the 2009 PROPANE Exceptional Energy® Builder Award from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The annual award recognizes homebuilders that showcase the innovation, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of building with propane. Tallman Builders won in the category for homes valued at more than $400,000, and Dean Davis Builders won in the category for homes less than $400,000.
“Propane is an excellent choice for homebuilders and homeowners,” said Tracy Burleson, PERC director of residential trade outreach and partnerships. “Propane’s low carbon content makes it a very ‘green’ energy option, which is important to many families. And using propane as an energy source in the homes they construct helps builders comply with the green building guidelines from the National Association of Home Builders.”
Coastline luxury
Tallman Builders partnered with Paraco Gas Corp. to construct a 7,000-square-foot coastal luxury home in Westport, Conn. The home includes four gas fireplaces, an in-ground pool and Jacuzzi, and a propane grill and furnace. The broad range of energy needs made the home an excellent choice for the versatility offered by propane.
“It is a logistical challenge to fuel homes in environmentally sensitive areas,” said partner Bill Manderville of Tallman Builders. “Propane allows us to meet the energy needs of luxury homeowners, while meeting strict environmental restrictions for coastal properties. And depending on propane appeals to our customers’ high standards for aesthetics.” Burying the 1,900-gallon propane tank on the property maintained the home’s serene look while meeting its functional demands.
Building a community
“Using propane in the homes we design is a selling point with our clients because of the resulting lower operating costs,” said Rod Cioffi, co-owner of Dean Davis Builders. “And with the high demand for one or more gas fireplaces and a preference for gas cooking by many homeowners, it made sense for us to use one fuel source.”
The builder partnered with Proctor Gas Inc. to build Wynnmere, a 36-unit condominium community in Rutland. Underground propane tanks fuel the development’s single-family and duplex units.
All Davis homes are built to Energy Star standards. A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This efficiency is a key selling point for customers, said Cioffi, as are the propane furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and cooktops that are standard in each Wynnmere unit.
For more information about building with propane, including details about how to earn up to 199 NAHB green builder points, visit PERC at booth N2617 at the 2009 International Builders’ Show or visit buildwithpropane.com.