SAGAMORE, MA, ISSUED AUGUST 20, 2007… Realty Development Associates, the area’s leading planner, designer, and builder of custom designed modular homes throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, has been accepted into the Energy Star Certified Builders program.

This rating is earned by builders who adhere to stringent energy-efficient guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A builder is certified upon independent verification that their construction meets these EPA guidelines. ENERGY STAR certified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

Realty Development Associates completed the rigorous certification process with a Harwich MA property that they recently constructed. Realty Development Associates (RDA) works exclusively with Westchester Modular, a factory adhering to the highest standards in workmanship and energy savings.

Don Shulman, President of Realty Development Associates, said that his company’s commitment to energy-efficient construction is one that he views as critical in these times of rising energy costs. “We understand the costs and challenges associated with purchasing a new home,” he said, noting that real estate and land costs continue to escalate. “Not only is energy-efficient or green construction the right thing to do for the environment, it also represents a means for homeowners to realize savings for every year that they own their property,” he said. “Everyone wins with energy-efficient homes.”

Energy used in homes often comes from burning of fossil fuels at power plants which can contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming. The ENERGY STAR mark is displayed on homes by Energy Star Certified Builders.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes include a variety of 'tried-and-true' energy-efficient features which contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution, including (1) Effective insulation; (2) High-performance windows; (3) Tight construction and ductwork; (4) Efficient heating and cooling equipment; and (5) Efficient products.

All Realty Development Associates modular products will now carry the ENERGY STAR rating for efficiency.

“With the current interest in "green" building, our involvement in this program should give our clients a sense of confidence that we are doing everything we can to deliver a superior product,” Shulman said, adding, “Not only does this speak to the quality of homes that we build, it also speaks to the level of professionalism and dedication of our associate, Westchester Modular. We believe that nothing less than the best construction and the most energy-efficient is acceptable.”

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that offers a proven energy management strategy to protect the environment and implement cost-saving measures in homes and businesses through energy efficient products and practices.  To learn more about the ENERGY STAR program, visit www.energystar.gov.