Cocoon insulation among components of Energy Star homes

Each new home that earns the Energy Star label keeps 4,500 pounds of global warming gases out of the air every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This equals about 225 million pounds -- equivalent to the pollution of 20,000 cars.

Energy Star is the label given by the EPA and the Department of Energy to appliances and products that exceed federal energy-efficiency standards. Homes also have earned this seal if they use at least 30 percent less energy than a home built to the standard energy code, verified by a third party.

A component that helps make homes energy efficient is Cocoon cellulose insulation. Unlike typical Fiberglas insulation, Cocoon insulation is made of an engineered wood fiber specifically designed to save energy and improve thermal comfort. This insulation is blown into the structure, forming a tight even seal around irregular objects, such as wiring, plumbing and framing materials. It helps prevent convective heat transfer, a primary source of energy loss.

Pulte Homes is one of the local builders of Energy Star homes that utilizes Cocoon insulation.

"Cocoon cellulose insulation is blown into the walls while damp and forms a stiff protective barrier," said Dave Beck, vice president of construction of Pulte Homes. "It fills even the tiniest spaces protecting against air leaks."

A fuel-efficient, properly fitted heating and air-conditioning system also plays a part in a home's Energy Star accreditation. The heating and cooling equipment has to be efficient and the proper size for the home, and air ducts are tight to help decrease air loss and improve circulation.

Third-party inspections from an independent contractor determine whether a home achieves the Energy Star label by verifying that construction standards have been met and the house performs as designed.

Energy Star Partners is a coalition of local builders, developers, energy inspection/certification companies, mortgage lenders and other nonbuilder partners. The group has launched a program to inform home buyers of the benefits of owning an Energy Star home.

The partnership recently launched a new Web site at www.NevadaEnergyStarHomes.com, which lists all partners and a map showing the participating builders' neighborhoods.

The partnership includes American Premiere Homes, Astoria Homes, Beazer Homes, Carina Homes, Concordia Homes, Del Webb Communities, Desert Wind Homes, Distinctive Homes, Greystone Homes/Lennar, Hearthstone Homebuilders, Pardee Homes, Perma-Bilt Homes, Pulte Homes, R/S Development, Royal Construction/Spinnaker Homes and Signature Homes.

Additional partners are: ConSol, Energy Inspectors, Builders Choice, Wells Fargo, Wausau Mortgage, Countrywide Home Loans, Nevada Power Co., Milgard Windows, Fannie Mae, Motivational Systems Inc., Southern Nevada Homes Magazine, The Home Show, PIE Design & Marketing, and Faiss Foley Merica.

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