Cobblestone Homes has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB Research Center, U.S. Department of Energy, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as a leader in energy and resource efficiency in new construction.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cobblestone Homes has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB Research Center, U.S. Department of Energy, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as a leader in energy and resource efficiency in new construction. Cobblestone Homes collaborated with The Dow Chemical Company to create Michigan’s first affordable net-zero energy home dubbed the “Vision Zero” home.  Located in Bay City, Mich., the 3,400 square-foot home earned the Great Lakes Bay region homebuilder a Gold winner of the 2011 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA).

Using readily available energy efficiency technologies from Dow, the “Vision Zero” home is expected to save approximately $3,000 in energy costs and avert 44,855 lbs of CO2 annually. It is currently being used as an educational center for builders and consumers, providing tours, training, and hands on demonstrations. To date, more than 4,000 homeowners, business executives and government officials have toured the home to learn about energy efficient building practices.

The EVHA is the nation’s preeminent energy efficiency award, honoring those who voluntarily incorporate energy efficiency into all aspects of new home construction and existing home renovation. Cobblestone was awarded for their commitment to constructing new energy-efficient, affordable homes in colder climates during the EVHA banquet, silver sponsored by Dow, on Jan. 11 in Orlando in conjunction with the 2011 International Builders’ Show. 

“For years we’ve been a leading advocate for energy efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly homes in Michigan,” said Mark Wahl, co-owner of Cobblestone Homes. “Our collaboration with Dow to build the Vision Zero home provided us with a unique opportunity to educate consumers and the industry about the attainability of net-zero energy homes. It serves as a real-world example that net-zero is achievable, affordable and replicable, even in harsh Northern climates.”

The Vision Zero home showcases a wide range of Dow materials and sustainable technologies, bringing together everything from Dow Building Solutions’ energy saving STYROFOAM SIS™ Brand Structural Insulated Sheathing, adhesives and sealants, and weather barrier solutions to the revolutionary new DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles. The home also highlights a variety of other Dow products ranging from DOWTHERM™ in geothermal systems, polyurethanes in garage doors, and coatings technology in paints and carpeting.