Homes built with structural insulation panels (SIPs) provide significant energy efficiency benefits over traditional stick-built homes. SIPs create an extremely air-tight building envelope that is 15 times tighter than stick construction. They also reduce construction costs due to fewer labor hours and lower operating costs throughout the home's lifetime. Regulations will soon require all new water heaters to meet higher energy efficiency standards in order to save homeowners an estimated $63 billion over 30 years. Environmental Solutions Group provides green building certification and energy efficiency services to help builders construct high performance homes.

1. Environmental Solutions Group Newsletter Vol. I No. II
September 2014
NEWS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS
Homebuilders are constantly challenged by strict energy codes while homeowners are forced to pay rising energy costs. The “stick construction” technique, that has been used for more than a century in the home building industry, contributes to numerous gaps in the structure. This technique does not create the energy efficient home that homebuyers are looking for.
In order to solve this problem, homeowners and builders are designing energy efficient homes using structural insulation panels (SIPs). The panels, consisting of insulating foam core sandwiched between wood panels, are engineered to be stronger than other stick construction techniques to drastically reduce air leakage.*
SIPs are prefabricated for any architectural design for single-family or multi-family homes. While this method of insulation may cost more upfront, builders enjoy fewer labor hours during the construction process and the cost is significantly lower than other time consuming insulation methods.
Homes that are built with SIPs have dramatically fewer gaps because the panels are designed in large sections and each panel has continuous insulation throughout the height, depth and width. SIP-built homes cost a fourth less to operate throughout the year, and according to the US Department of Energy, they create a building envelope that is 15 times tighter than stick constriction. For more information on SIPs, please visit www.SIPs.org.
ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGNS USING SIPS
WATER HEATER REGULATIONS
Builders and plumbing contractors can expect changes to water heater regula- tions in early 2015. All water heaters will be required to have higher Energy Factor (EF) ratings by April 16, 2015. Tankless water heaters already exceed the new requirements, but the regulation change will apply to all gas, electric and oil water heaters manufactured in April 2015.
According to the Department of Energy, homeowners are expected to save $63 billion dollars in utility costs over the next 30 years.
Builders can expect added insulation to account for the larger water heaters.
For more information, please visit www.energy.gov.

2. STEVE ARMSTRONG RECOGNIZED AS HOME INNOVATION NGBS GREEN PARTNER OF EXCELLENCE
Steve Armstrong has been named a Home Innovation NGBS Green Partner of Excellence for 2014. Being one of only a handful of Home Innovation’s green certification program partners to be recognized illustrates the commitment Steve has made to providing customers with increased value, professional- ism, and relevance in the marketplace through third-party verification to the National Green Building Standard (NGBS).
“’Going Green’ was a logical path for building professionals to follow when the market was in decline and everyone was looking for something to set themselves apart and make the sale,” said Home Inno- vation Research Labs president and CEO Michael Luzier. “But now that the market is coming back, dedicated partners like Environmental Solutions Group prove that participating in our rigorous third- party certification program isn’t just a gimmick or a fad – it’s a strategic business decision that is paying dividends and changing the marketplace.”
As an accredited NGBS Green Verifier since 2008, Steve has provided independent verification ser- vices for thousands of units that have ultimately become NGBS Green Certified by Home Innovation Research Labs, including over 2400 units slated for certifica- tion in 2014. NGBS Green Verifiers are trained, tested, and accredited by Home Innovation to ensure consistency and ri- gor across the country. In addition to providing green building verification services for NGBS, Environmental Solutions Group certifies buildings for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Homes and WaterSense programs.
ESG IS NOW A MEMBER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATION
The North Carolina Building Performance Association is an association of North Carolina building performance profession- als and companies seeking to lead high performance con- struction in the state through quality construction, workforce development, political advocacy, public education and more.
Their goals include improving the quality of buildings in North Carolina so that all residents and businesses can live and work in healthy, safe, durable, cost-effective and environmen- tally friendly homes and buildings.
NCBPA is working to:
 Advance North Carolina’s home, business, commercial and industrial energy efficiency, renewable energy and building performance professionals and companies through advocacy, education and member services.
 Support the growth, success and financial viability of mem- ber professionals and companies working in this industry.
 Provide members with legislative representation and politi- cal advocacy on building and energy codes, programs and incentives, licensing needs and more
 Educate the general public about the industry and connect them with qualified professionals and industry-recognized best practices, standards and resources.
If you are interested in joining NCBPA, please visit www.buildingnc.org**
References: US Department of Energy*, Proud Green Home and SIPA
EVENTS
NCHA 21st Century Building Expo
September 9th in Charlotte, NC
Join industry members from throughout the state September 9-11 at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 12th annual NCHBA 21st Century Building Expo & Conference
Building Performance Forum
October 7-8, 2014 in Charlotte, NC
This is an educational event hosted by ACCA, the Indoor Environmental & Energy Association and BPI. Topics include fixing duct uncommon duct problems, ventilation on existing homes, airflow testing and much more. Early registration ends on August 15th.
NC Building Performance Association Inaugural Annual Conference
November 4–7, 2014 in Asheville, NC
The conference will hold technical and business workshops for all professions and provide networking with partners and potential clients.

3. Performance-Based Modeling
Duct Seal Testing
Blower Door Testing (building envelope tightness)
REScheck
Energy Code Compliance Inspection Services
Manual J Load Calculations
Manual D & S Modeling
Pressure Balancing
Energy Audits
Green Building Design & Consulting
Bonded Builders Group Energy Guarantee
Environmental Site Assessments
Lead Testing
Additional Services
ENERGY STAR © Certified New Homes
2012 IECC 700 National Green Building Standard
HERS Index Rating
WaterSense Verification
SystemVision
LEED for Homes
Duke Energy Progress Residential New Construction Program
Indoor airPLUS
ESG HAS A LOT TO OFFER!
Energy Code & Compliance
Certifications
Call us for more information about our services and scheduling.
Environmental Solutions Group 1000 North Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 373-1538
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“I found the professionalism, dedi- cation, and genuine concern of ESG's staff to be excellent. I would definitely recommend ESG to any- one who might benefit from your services. Thank you sincerely!”
-Gwen P., Greensboro , NC
Visit us on the web at www.go-esg.com