The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department has been recognized by the NAHB Research Center as a leader in energy-efficient home building and environmentally conscious building practices. As a 2004 Silver Winner of the EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) in the affordable home/hot climate category, the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department has demonstrated a commitment to building energy-efficient homes.

The EVHA honors builders who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction, and marketing of new homes. It also educates the building industry and the public about successful approaches to energy-efficient construction.

According to Michael Luzier, president of the NAHB Research Center, "The city of Phoenix is leading the way toward more affordable, energy-efficient construction and environmentally-responsible business practices. Every day, the city's Neighborhood Services Department proves the value of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship to home builders, homebuyers, and others in the new home construction market."

The city's Neighborhood Services Department has operated for 10 years and constructs between six and 10 homes per year. Its award-winning 1,500 square-foot home features low-e2 windows, 2' x 6' walls insulated with R-19 fiberglass batt-insulated walls sheathed with one inch of foam, ducts sealed with mastic and 90 percent contained in conditioned space, and jumper ducts to balance the airflow to individual rooms.

The EVHA judges noted that this project, which has resulted in a very efficient home, should be a model for other city projects throughout the country.

Additionally, new homeowners attend eight hours of free training on home maintenance, which includes a segment on energy conservation techniques and practices.

The EVHA is managed by the NAHB Research Center, and operated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy through its National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

For more information on the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department, contact 602-262-7344 or log on to www.phoenix.gov/NSD. For more information on the EVHA program, visit http://www.nahbrc.org.