River Falls' Eco Village Commits to Building Efficient Homes in Partnership with Focus on Energy

RIVER FALLS, Wis., Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities' statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced its participation in a first-of-its-kind Eco Village in River Falls, Wis. The new housing development will consist of 18 Earth-friendly homes, a community center, shared renewable energy systems and a potential shared fleet of electric vehicles.

Eco Village homes will be certified through Focus on Energy's New Homes Program, which pairs home builders with building performance consultants in an effort to maximize energy efficiency performance and renewable energy capabilities. On average, homes certified through the New Homes Program are 23 percent more efficient than homes built to the state's Uniform Dwelling Code.

"The Eco Village project demonstrates that through minor adjustments in processes, materials and systems we can improve a building's energy efficiency without having a significant impact on the project's budget," said William S. Haas, Focus on Energy's director of program administration.

As part of the New Homes Program, each Eco Village home will meet applicable energy efficiency standards ranging from air tightness to ventilation and combustion safety. The new homes also will implement renewable energy technologies such as solar hot water, solar photovoltaics and geothermal systems. Focus on Energy will offer cash-back rewards to Eco Village builder organizations.

Additional participants in the Eco Village project include the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, city of River Falls, University of Wisconsin River Falls, Frisbie Architects and the St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development.

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Catalina Lamadrid, CEM, LEED, AP, GHG IQ
Director of Communications & Marketing
608-230-7006
[email protected]

SOURCE Focus on Energy