Energy Star is a program founded by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of
Energy that focuses on creating energy efficient homes and buildings
that will help protect the environment while also saving money for home
owners and businesses. Homes constructed under the Energy Star program
must meet a series of energy efficiency guidelines established by the
EPA. Compared to homes that meet only the standard 2004 International
Residential Code requirements, Energy Star qualified homes are at least
15 percent more energy efficient and can be operated at substantially
lower costs.

Greater efficiency in Energy Star homes can be
attributed to several different physical features, including tight
construction and ducts, effective insulation, efficient heating and
cooling equipment, high performance windows, and efficient home
products. According to the Energy Star website, American households and
businesses that met Energy Star qualifications avoided greenhouse
emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars while saving $19
billion in utility bills in 2008 alone. About 750,000 Energy Star homes
exist to date, and Energy Star expects more than 2 million homes to
become Energy Star qualified by the end of 2010.

Rashkin's
presentation was an in field follow up to a classroom presentation at
Middlesex Community College that took place on Friday Morning. On
Thursday, August 6th, Rashkin gave a similar classroom presentation at
Stonehill College in Easton, followed by an in field training at
Wayside Farm in East Bridgewater. The Beacon Courtyard Townhouses,
which opened construction in November of last year, are set to be
finished sometime in September.

The Beacon Courtyard location
was chosen for the demonstration mostly because the stage of
construction it was under provided for an effective look at the
building's energy systems, but after the training ended, Rashkin noted
that the townhouses were an "outstanding project." He was especially
impressed by what he described as "impeccable installation,"
particularly regarding the attic areas of the building. Effectively
airtight windows and vents were another standout feature that made the
townhouses an impressive complex.

Developers George Dedic and
Stephen Andrade, and Realtor Mark Roderick, stated that "we are pleased
to have been chosen as a model for Energy Star Homes Training Program.
Beacon Courtyard is an example of our commitment to building high
quality, energy efficient homes. In addition to reducing greenhouse
emissions, the homeowner will benefit with increased property value and
lower utility bills." When finished, the complex will consist of 8
townhouses, one of which will belong to the city's affordable housing
program. Each townhouse will consist of 3 bedrooms, two to three
bathrooms, and two garage spaces in the impressive 18 spot parking
garage located beneath the complex. For more information on Energy
Star, visit www.energystar.gov. For more information on the Beacon
Courtyard Townhouses, contact Realtor Mark Roderick at 617-230-3674