Energy

HERO program for energy-efficient homes gets Energy Award from EPA

L to R: Energy rater William Haley of Ponchatoula, DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell, Energy Star Coordinator Patrick Kelly of Dallas, Attorney Jerry Pepper of Baton Rouge, Energy rater Jeff Haag of Metairie.

The state Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Home Energy Rebate Option- HERO program is ranked among the nation's best, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The residential home energy efficiency program in Louisiana has recently been recognized for certifying more than 1,000 new homes as Energy Star residences in the year 2001. Energy Star homes are nationally labeled as a better value for the consumer and the environment.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell accepted the Energy Star achievement award at a presentation with EPA officials and industry specialists held in Baton Rouge last week.

Dallas Region/Energy Star Coordinator Patrick Kelly also presented Baton Rouge attorney Jerry F. Pepper, the Energy Star award for Small Business. Pepper was recognized for making energy efficiency improvements to his office located on Muriel Drive.

According to DNR's Energy Section records, there were 1,007 new homes certified last year. HERO program manager Buddy Justice noted that more and more homeowners are interested in the benefits of the program because of the savings to their wallets. He said, "With 508 new homes already certified this year, we are sure to double our record by year's end."

DNR's energy rated homes program was one of ten programs selected to receive EPA commendation for providing home rating services.

Louisiana's energy rated homes program began in 1999, and both new and existing homes are eligible for participation. Information on the HERO program is available at www.dnr.state.la.us/hero.

Editors: For more information on this topic, please contact DNR Public Information Office at 225-342-0557. Photo also available in larger JPEG (152 KB) and TIFF (2.65 MB) formats.