Orlando, FL (February 15, 2008) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and members of the propane industry announced today the winners of the fifth annual PROPANE Exceptional Energy® Homebuilder Awards at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, FL. The PROPANE Exceptional Energy® Homebuilder Awards are given annually to recognize innovative homebuilders who use propane as the primary energy source to fuel projects they design and build.
The awards recognize homebuilders in two categories: builders of homes valued at more than $400,000 and builders of homes valued at less than $400,000. Dream Developers of East Hampton, CT, is this year’s winner in the $400,000 or more category. Wickiup Builders of Ennis, MT, is this year’s winner in the $400,000 or under category.
Both award winners turned to propane to provide their customers with the benefits of gas. Dream Developers was selected for its use of underground propane tanks to supply energy to an active adult community, Laurel Ridge. The community consists of 88 homes that are fueled by a network of 1,000- and 1,450-gallon underground tanks, providing propane to heat each home. The tanks also supply propane for residents’ hot water, fireplaces and, in some cases, propane cooking, clothes drying, and outdoor gas grilling.
Wickiup Builders was selected for its 2,400-square foot custom home that features a 1,000-gallon buried tank to supply the propane used to run on-demand water heaters, radiant floor heat, high-grade cook stoves, and a gas fireplace.
"These two award winners understand the benefits of using propane – this versatile energy source provides more reliability in an efficient and environmentally friendly way,” said PERC President and CEO Roy Willis. “Because these builders incorporated propane appliances into their communities, they have increased the public’s interest as well as the value of homes in remote locations.”
2008 PROPANE Exceptional Energy® Award Winners
Winner: Above $400,000
Dream Developers, East Hampton, CT
Dream Developers owner Stephen Motto previously used oil-fired heating systems in the homes he built for more than 15 years, before deciding to use propane at its Laurel Ridge community. He based his decision on several factors, including the knowledge that propane is a nontoxic fuel that is environmentally friendly. In addition, Motto heard from homeowners, prospective buyers, and other developers about the many advantages of using propane. For one thing, Motto is able to show homebuyers that propane offers a savings on energy costs and requires less maintenance than other fuels. Motto says, “The customer response has been very positive.”
In addition to propane’s convenience and efficiency, as a top-quality builder Motto also appreciates the aesthetic advantages of propane. With the help of David DeTuccio, Jr. of Bemer Petroleum, Motto was able to design a discreet, underground propane system, allowing for efficient delivery without compromising beauty. The result is happy homeowners who can enjoy the many advantages of propane.
Winner: Below $400,000
Wickiup Builders, Ennis, MT
Wickiup Builders, nominated by Northern Energy, has been using propane in new homes for more than 20 years. As a company that builds an average of just three homes a year, owner Tikker Jones recommends propane to his customers for its convenience, value, and efficiency. In fact, because propane meets those needs, every house built by Wickiup is fueled by propane.
Wickiup customers appreciate propane for its reliability during Montana’s harsh winter weather. In addition, they know propane to be easier to use than wood fuel and more efficient than electricity.
“As an Energy Star builder, I feel it’s my obligation to provide my customers with an efficient, clean, low carbon dioxide-producing source of heating,” says Jones. “Propane fills that need.”