Washington, D.C., April 1 -- The Department of Energy and the EPA today released the "Profiles in Leadership, 2008 Energy Star Award Winners," including winners representing the home building and remodeling industries. A total of 74 organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy, including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, and chemicals, were honored for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The winners were selected from more than 12,000 organizations that partner in the Energy Star program.

The EPA launched Energy Star in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. 

Companies used various practices to win the award. Whirlpool, a Sustained Excellence award winner, was recognized for its donation of Energy Star-qualified appliances to Habitat for Humanity.

Winton/Flair Custom Homes, a custom home builder in El Paso, Texas, and southern New Mexico that builds 100% of its homes to Energy Star standards, was recognized with the Excellence in Energy Star promotion award. In 2007, the builder constructed 189 Energy Star-qualified homes, bringing the company total to nearly 600.

And the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity was honored with the Award for Excellence in Energy Efficient Affordable Housing, having promoted the use of Energy Star products and building practices since 2006. It was honored  for building homes that feature:
• R-38 attic insulation
• 2x6 exterior walls with R-19 insulation
• Energy Star windows featuring low–E glazings and a U-value of 0.37 and a SHGC of 0.31
• 13-SEER HVAC units
• Insulated slab on grade with R-5 Dow foam insulation board
• Insulated entry doors
• A 98% efficient A.O. Smith water heater
• LP Tech Shield radiant barrier roof decking
• Typar exterior housewrap and flashing
• Whirlpool Energy Star-rated refrigerators
• Efficient lighting package that includes compact fluorescent lamps
• Blower door testing, duct-pressure testing, and third-party independent certification.

“Building affordable housing that is energy efficient is a win for low-income residents and for the environment,” said Gary Bigelow, COO for Nashville Area Habitat, in a statement. “Energy Star-qualified homes are comfortable, reduce utility costs, and at the same time are helping to reduce the risks of global warming.”

Those honored from home building industry in the 14 categories include: • 3M
• Best Buy
• Bosch Appliances
• California Portland Cement Co.
• Dow Chemical Co.
• Environmental Building Solutions
• Forest City Stapleton
• GE Consumer & Industrial 
• Gorell
• Haven Properties
• The Home Depot 
• Ideal Homebuilders
• Ivey Residential 
• Lithonia Lighting 
• Lowe's  
• Menards 
• Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity 
• Osram Sylvania 
• Pella 
• ProVia Door 
• Sea Gull Lighting 
• Seattle Lighting/DestinationLighting.com
• USAA Real Estate Co. 
• Utah Division of Housing and Community Development
• Whirlpool 
• Winton/Flair Custom Homes

"[The] EPA applauds these organizations for preserving our environment and our energy resources," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson in the announcement. "Whether you are running a business or a school, these energy all stars prove a brighter future starts with each of us."

For a complete list of the winners, click here.

For a complete list of the winners’ profiles, click here.