OCTOBER 13, 2005- Director David Hollister announced today the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth is now accepting applications from builders for a grant pool of $40,000 to build energy-efficient houses.

The DLEG Energy Office will be awarding five federally-funded grants for up to $8,000 each in the  ENERGY STAR^â Home Grant program as an incentive for Michigan builders to utilize the latest technology to reduce energy costs and pollution. Applications can be obtained at the Energy Office web site at www.michigan.gov/energyoffice under Residential programs or by contacting Pat Hudson at (517) 241-6154 or via e-mail at plhudso@michigan.gov. The deadline for the 2006 grants is December 15, 2005.

"The builders who receive the grants will promote these homes to showcase the advantages of an energy-efficient home to consumers," Hollister said. "The goal is to make other builders and future home-buyers more knowledgeable about energy-efficient products currently available. Even simple modifications to a home can reduce energy use by 10 to 50 percent - which can save homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars in utility bills."

Only licensed builders in good standing are eligible and builders can only submit one application. Previous Five Star Home grant winners are not eligible. The date of the application must precede the date of the building permit. House construction should be completed by December 31, 2006.

The Five Star rating will be the minimum criterion. Selection will be based on energy efficiency, innovative features, and marketing plans. In an effort to feature Energy Star houses throughout the State, geographic location will be considered when reviewing the grant applications.  Bonus points will be given to houses that have less than 2,000 square feet of livable space.  Houses that feature less than 1,500 square feet of livable space will receive additional bonus points.

Last year's recipients were:  Olde World Custom Homes, Traverse City; Steinorth Fine Homes, Traverse City; C.L. Gruner, Ada; T. Joseph & Sons Construction, Linden; and Raymar Homes, Hudsonville.

Some of the innovative energy-saving features of the five houses include: radiant floor heating, soy-based wall insulation, water retention basins for capturing rain water run-off, passive solar designs, and cork flooring.

"ENERGY STAR^â homes will save on average $600 per year.  Rising natural gas costs make these homes a good buy in addition to being good for our economy and environment," Hollister said.

Please visit the DLEG Energy Office website to find tips about saving energy and dollars, a list of  ENERGY STAR^â home builders, case studies, and recommendations for new home construction at: http://www.michigan.gov/energyoffice.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.