Columbia, Md. (March 9, 2009) – Columbia Builders Inc. has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the ENERGY STAR program.

The EPA promotes energy-efficient construction and environmental awareness through its ENERGY STAR for New Homes program.

To earn this designation, a home must meet the strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA. These homes are at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than homes built to local code and include additional energy-savings features that typically make them 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.

"The energy efficiency offered by ENERGY STAR new homes allows homebuyers to experience a lifetime of saving while living in a more comfortable and durable home," said Jim Greenfield, president of Columbia Builders.

"The level of savings to the homebuyer is incredible, and this program reflects a level of unsurpassed achievement in energy efficient building in which buyer and builder can take immense pride," he said.

Qualified homes offer homebuyers energy-saving features such as effective insulation systems, high performance windows, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, ENERGY STAR appliances and a tight building envelope — all verified by a third-party energy rater.

Columbia Builders has decided to become a 100% ENERGY STAR Builder, which means all homes the company constructs will receive an energy-efficiency score from an independent energy rater. While this program has already been put into place, qualifying for the designation is a year-long process.

"Over the years, we have always committed ourselves to building energy-efficiency and value into our homes," said Greenfield. "Embracing the ENERGY STAR concept was easy for us. Our goal now will be to exceed the minimum requirements on a consistent basis. We can do it; I know we will."

About Columbia Builders, Inc.
For nearly 35 years, Columbia Builders has been building homes and communities in Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Columbia Builders has built more than 3,000 homes in more than 50 communities and is recognized for superior craftsmanship and innovation by national, regional and local industry associations. The company was the first homebuilder in Maryland to receive the prestigious Energy Value Award from the National Association of Home Builders. In 2009, Columbia Builders became an ENERGY STAR partner, building its homes to meet strict energy-saving criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.