“Cash for Caulkers” Program to Boost Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market
Professional Remodeler
“A recent SBI Energy market study titled Energy-Efficient Home Renovations Market’ reports that energy-efficient windows already far outsell other types of fenestration products in the home remodeling industry. Combined with the HOMESTAR program and ARRA incentives this market will see double-digit growth over the next three years; much like the energy-efficient home renovations market overall, which SBI Energy has forecasted to grow 15% and reach $35 billion dollars by 2013. The ‘Cash for Caulkers’ program may not be approved until later this year, but try telling that to the home insulation market. ENERGY-STAR created a huge opportunity in the home insulation segment by educating consumers on the cost savings that occur by caulking and sealing air leaks and will lead the market to a phenomenal 25% increase in 2010, SBI Energy states.”
Businesses offer best path to money in smart grid
CNet Green Tech Blog
“For consumers, the face of the smart grid is most likely to be a home energy monitor that gives people insight into home electricity use. But from a business perspective, there may be more action catering to business customers, rather than homeowners. A panel of smart-grid company executives here at the AlwaysOn GoingGreen East conference on Tuesday said saving commercial, industrial, and business customers is an easier sell than helping consumers save on utility bills.”
Forget Granite Countertops, Here Comes Electric-Vehicle Charging
WSJ.com Developments Blog
Nice granite countertops were once a big selling point for a house — and they probably still are. But KB Home is taking steps toward catering to how homeowners will live “in the future”: They’re offering an option to pre-wire homes to accommodate electric-vehicle charging stations.
Schneider Electric Launches Wiser Home Control Solution
eBuild.com
Schneider Electric has launched what it calls Wiser Home Control, an integrated home control system that lets users connect many different technologies such as lighting control, security, air conditioning, audiovisual equipment, media players, irrigation systems, motorized blinds and more. It creates one simple control solution that can be accessed and used from anywhere and at anytime via 3G mobile phones or Web-enabled devices.
