Delaware launches “Green for Green” rebate program for state’s new home buyers

Governor Jack Markell, Senator Harris McDowell, Co-chair of the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), Secretary Collin O’Mara of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and Mark Grahne, President of the Home Builders Association of Delaware announced the launch of “Green for Green” – a first-of-its-kind rebate program for Delaware homebuyers who purchase nationally certified, energy-efficient green homes. The program is a collaborative effort among the SEU, DNREC, and the Home Builders Association of Delaware.

The program provides homeowners with rebates of $3,000 – $6,000 towards the costs of newly constructed homes that have been upgraded to national green standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, building materials and other conservation-oriented, energy-saving features.

“Improving energy efficiency is both financially and environmentally responsible,” said Governor Markell. “We want smarter, more sustainable home building that drives down energy use and energy cost. By encouraging green building, we are creating new opportunities in the building industry and ultimately, new jobs.”

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the U.S. Department of Energy at a level up to $300,000, the rebates will fund energy upgrades for approximately 80 homes throughout the state. Over its first year, the program could produce an estimated 284 local construction and related jobs and $22.5 million in local income, according to a Delaware-specific study performed by the National Association of Home Builders in 2009.*

To qualify for a rebate, a home must be certified by third-party inspection to meet the standards of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Standard (NGBS) or LEED-H (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes), and follow the guidelines of the Delaware Green for Green Program.

Three levels of rebates are being offered: $3,000 for a NGBS Silver certified home; $5,000 for NGBS Gold certified home; and $6,000 for NGBS Emerald certified home. LEED certified homes of Silver or greater qualify for a $5,000 rebate.