At a Jan. 17, 2001 event in Washington, D.C., five programs, including Johns Manville's Performance HomeÒ Program, were honored for saving consumers throughout the country approximately $46 million annually in utility bills. According to the DOE, the cost of heating and cooling a house accounts for 50 percent to 70 percent of a homeowner's utility bills.

 

"By using less energy, these efficient homes are reducing air pollution by 108,000 metric tons annually, the equivalent of taking 81,300 cars off the road each year. And, they are built at a cost comparable to that of conventional homes," said Dan Reicher, assistant secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in a press release. "Each of these homes will save its owner about $1,530 in heating and cooling costs over the next 10 years."

 

Johns Manville's program encourages homebuilders to offer energy-efficient upgrades to buyers though the use of Performance Home® Software, a software program that optimizes the energy efficiency of home designs and calculates potential energy and dollar savings for buyers.

 

"We are honored that our Performance Home Program received this award," said Reed Larson, JM market and technical services manager. "Johns Manville is a proven leader in the insulation field, and this is just one example of our dedication to providing our customers with the best tools possible."

 

Johns Manville, with the aid of its Performance Home Software, earned the honor by offering a program for builders to voluntarily exceed Model Energy Code™ requirements and adopting the goals of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). One of PATH's goals, a presidential initiative launched in 1998, is to cut energy use and the environmental impact of new housing by 50 percent over the Model Energy Code.

 

Available on CD-ROM, the software enhancements allow builders to include specific options in other energy categories besides insulation, e.g., windows, HVAC systems, etc. The software delivers the lowest cost options that meet key energy codes, including Model Energy Code and Energy Star™. Using the Johns Manville (JM) software, a builder can also evaluate insulation upgrade options for specific home types and designs.

 

The JM Performance Home computer program is one of just four energy-efficient programs recognized by the National Association of Home Builders. EPA Energy Star and Freddie Mac have also recognized the program.

 

Johns Manville (NYSE:JM) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building products. The 143-year-old Denver-based company had sales of $2.2 billion in 1999. Johns Manville produces and markets insulation products for buildings and equipment; commercial/industrial roofing systems; and engineered products, including high-efficiency filtration media, fibers, fabric and nonwoven mats used as reinforcements in building and industrial applications. The company employs approximately 9,700 people and operates 55 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Click on www.jm.com for additional information.