In recognition of its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting the Energy Star program, AVR Homebuilders is one of only two residential developers in the nation to be honored by the U.S. EPA as a 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year - New Home Builder. AVR was recognized by the EPA for its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the construction of Energy Star-certified homes. The award was presented to AVR at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. An Energy Star partner since 2006, AVR was honored for its work in building energy-efficient new homes that meet Energy Star guidelines. To date, AVR has built a total of 374 Energy Star-certified homes in the New York Metropolitan region. The 2012 Partner of the Year award winners were selected from approximately 20,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program. AVR, which won in the New Home Builder category, joins a host of major national and international corporations recognized by the EPA for their participation in the Energy Star program including PepsiCo, General Motors, Boeing, Toyota, Samsung Electronics, 3M, Sharp Electronics, Merck and Colgate-Palmolive. "As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Energy Star program, EPA is proud to recognize AVR Homebuilders with the 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for New Home Builders," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "AVR Homebuilders and all our Energy Star award winners are building an energy-efficient future for America's families by developing Energy Star-certified homes that reduce energy costs and protect the environment." Mark Eickelbeck, Chief Operating Officer of AVR Homebuilders, said, "We are greatly honored to be recognized by the U.S. EPA as one of the nation's leaders in the design and construction of energy-efficient homes. This award is a tremendous achievement for our company and is a testament to our ongoing commitment to building quality homes that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient." He added, "AVR is proud to provide extra value to our customers by building energy-efficient homes that earn the Energy Star certification. Homes built to Energy Star standards are more comfortable, plus they ensure long-term savings on energy bills while protecting the environment." Mr. Eickelbeck noted that Energy Star-certified new homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating. Homeowners in Energy Star Homes can expect to save about $200-$400 annually on their utility bills. Over the past 20 years, American families and businesses have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 350 million vehicles with help from Energy Star. The goals and objectives of the Energy Star program are implemented by AVR throughout every phase of the design and construction process. Energy Star Homes include high-efficiency features that conventionally built homes don't have. The home's exterior shell is made as airtight as possible using advanced framing techniques, and a combination of spray foam, rigid and batt insulation. Energy-efficient windows and doors are installed, along with additional caulking and sealing of all the joints and seams. Each Energy Star Home also features high-efficiency heating and cooling systems with their own fresh air supply from the exterior which makes a more efficient and healthier home. A whisper green bathroom fan in every unit helps the home breathe and ventilate to the outside, and a complete water management system protects the roof, walls, and foundation from water damage. The home is completed with installation of the required Energy Star certified lighting and appliances. The final and crucial step in building an Energy Star Home is an independent energy inspection conducted by a Home Energy Rater certified by the EPA. When a home passes inspection, the results are printed on a blue Energy Star sticker that is presented to each homeowner. AVR was recognized for working with a Home Energy Rater to provide technical training for construction staff and subcontractors to ensure that its staff understands Energy Star construction methods and quality controls. The EPA also lauded AVR's efforts in ensuring that its sales staff is well trained and fully versed on Energy Star certified homes. AVR sales personnel are trained to conduct hardhat tours of home models and to be able to point out the benefits of Energy Star certified homes throughout the building process. AVR Homebuilders, which is a division of AVR Realty Company, LLC, currently has six active home development properties, all of which are located in the greater New York metropolitan area and will be built to Energy Star standards. The communities include: * Hudson Landing, a mixed-use master planned community with 1,750 residential units on over 500 acres of Hudson River waterfront property in Kingston, NY. www.hudsonlanding.com * The Meadows at Yaphank, a mixed-use master planned sustainable community with 850 residential units on 300 acres on Long Island that will include a mix of residential, retail, office/flex space, restaurants, and hotel. www.meadowsatyaphank.com * Southampton Meadow Estates, a planned community of 48 single-family homes on 52 acres in Southampton, NY. www.southamptonmeadowsestates.com * Overlook Pointe, featuring a total of 263 condominiums and townhomes on the Hudson River waterfront in West Fishkill, NY. www.overlookonthehudson.com * Powell Cove Estates, a 202-unit condominium development being built on the East River waterfront in North College Point, Queens, NY. www.powellcoveestates.com * Valeria, a planned 147-unit townhome community in the Westchester community of Cortlandt Manor, NY. www.valerialuxuryliving.com