New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

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Become part of the growing green collar workforce in New Jersey

Technical training and networking opportunities available at the ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference

With gas prices on the rise and consumers increasingly aware of environmental concerns, energy efficiency is a rapidly expanding industry. A “green-collar” workforce of professionals with expertise in reducing residential energy efficiency is poised to meet growing consumer demand.

Builders and contractors interested in expanding business practices or learning about new career opportunities and updating professional credentials will find useful resources at the ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference for Whole House Energy Solutions on September 9 and 10, 2008 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center and Hotel sponsored by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program^TM

“Builders and contractors are essential to New Jersey’s plan to reduce its overall energy use 20 percent by 2020,” says NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. “The BPU’s Clean Energy Program offers the necessary resources for greater efficiency to New Jersey families working to make ends meet. Reduced energy usage can lower bills by over $600 per year. For local builders and remodelers, these programs provide a way to build a reputation for quality and energy efficiency awareness in a competitive market and create new business opportunities.”

State Programs Help Builders Adapt to a Changing Market

Two important tools for builders and contractors seeking to expand practices into residential energy efficiency include Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes programs, both of which are sponsored by the BPU and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program. These programs use a whole house approach to energy efficiency that reduce energy use and costs, lower household greenhouse gas emissions and improve comfort, health and safety. With Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, homes can be improved to reduce energy use by 30 percent. New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes can be built in any style, size or price range and use 15 to 35 percent less energy than conventionally built new homes.

In order to meet these goals builders and contractors use whole house building science and incorporate energy efficiency features such as improved insulation and air sealing techniques, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, well-sealed ducts, high quality windows and doors., moisture management and ventilation, and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances. Seminars offering the latest technology on all of these topics, as well as advanced testing techniques, business and marketing tips, are available at the ACI Conference.

Earn Continuing Education Units

Attendees can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from a number of providers including AIA, ASHI, BPI, InterNACHI, NARI, NATE and RESNET. For a list of available credits per session, please visit affordablecomfort.org/event/aci_new_jersey.

In addition to the New Jersey BPU and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, the conference is sponsored by Energy Federation Incorporated, the Building Performance Institute, Conservation Services Group, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Honeywell, MaGrann Associates, Zerodraft, Home Energy magazine, and New Jersey Natural Gas.

Register Today!

To register for the ACI New Jersey Home Performance Conference for Whole House Energy Solutions, visit www.affordablecomfort.org or call 1-800-344-4866 extension 10 or 26. For more information about the New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR programs, visit www.njcleanenergy.com or call 1-866-NJSMART (1-866-657-6278).

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