Industrial News

The “Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005” is also known as H. R. 134. The bill defines a qualified new energy efficient home as, “A dwelling unit, located in the U.S., with an annual heating and cooling energy consumption which is at least 30 percent below the annual level of heating and cooling energy consumption,” and has “building envelope component improvements account for at least one-third of such 30 percent” of a compatible dwelling unit.

Builders will receive a $1,000 tax credit for construction of the qualified energy efficient home. If a house is built at the 50 percent efficiency level, with one-fifth of savings coming from a building envelope component, builders will receive a $2,000 tax credit.

A building envelope component is defined as, “Any insulation material or system, which is specifically and primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a dwelling unit when installed in or on such dwelling unit.” This also includes exterior windows and skylights, doors and any metal roof with appropriate pigmented coating that reduces heat gain of dwelling and meet the Energy Star program requirements.

An innovative way to reach these defined levels of energy efficiency in your home is by applying BioBased 501, which is the greenest, most environmentally-friendly insulation in the industry. BioBased 501 is an open cell, semi-rigid spray foam. In one step, the insulation provides a sealed thermal envelope, preventing outside air infiltration, which is the major cause of energy loss in homes.

“Thanks to Congressman like John Boozman helping push this legislation which offers builders tax credits of $1,000 or $2,000, homeowners will be able to find homes that allow them to save 30 to 50 percent on energy costs by using the spray foam insulation formulated with a soybean-based polyol,” explains Joshua Hutchinson, Director of Government Affairs for BioBased Systems.

BioBased 501, manufactured by BioBased Systems, is the recipient of two national green building awards. In 2003, BioBased Insulation was voted the “Outstanding Green Product of the Year” at the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Conference and was selected among the "2003 Top 10 Green Products" at the U.S. Green Building Council's Green Build Conference.

“BioBased Insulation was formulated with the environment in mind,” according to Mike Muccio, Chief Operating Officer for BioBased. “BioBased Insulation behaves like petroleum-based foam insulation while drastically reducing the negative environmental side effects. This cutting edge technology allows our scientists to replace many of the petroleum-based products found in existing spray foam insulation with less expensive and annually renewable soybean derivatives. This allows a reduction in the high costs normally associated with green building.”

“Consumers who convert from conventional insulation products to BioBased Insulation realize a cost-savings in their first month’s utility bill,” Muccio said. Because of its energy efficiency, BioBased Insulation also reduces the required size of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, another money-saver for builders and homeowners.

BioBased Insulation is much more effective than other insulation products, according to Muccio. “Within seconds of application, our spray foam insulation expands to 100 times its original liquid size. As it expands, it conforms and fills each cavity, crevice and void to create a sealed thermal envelope. This innovative product adheres to any surface and will not shrink, settle or disintegrate.”

BioBased Insulation also helps control interior wall moisture problems, seals out noise, reduces dust and increases indoor air quality (IAQ). “BioBased 501 offers no food value for pests, and it has a Class 1 fire rating, the highest rating you can have for residential and commercial applications,” says Muccio.

To find out more information about BioBased Insulation or becoming a Certified Dealer, contact BioBased Systems, 1315 N. 13th Street, Rogers, AR 72756, (800) 803-5189. www.biobased.net.