Whirlpool Introduces Energy Star Product. Whirlpool Corporation formed a strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as an Energy Star partner committed to developing major home appliances that use less energy and fewer natural resources.

Whirlpool premiered its Resource Saver wash system, a high-efficiency, top-loading washing machine featuring a spray rinse system and water temperature sensor that reduces energy consumption by more than 50% and significantly reduces water usage compared to Whirlpool's deep-fill rinse washers. The wash system meets DOE criteria for the Energy Star label: using less than half as much energy as conventional washers and saving up to 6,000 gallons of water annually. Appliance, November 1998. Dana Chase Publications, 1110 Jorie Blvd., CS 9019, Oak Brook, IL 60522-9019. Tel:(630)990-3484; Fax:(630)990-0078; Web site: www.appliance.com.

Sustainable, Affordable Housing in New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced a Sustainable Development/ Affordable Housing pilot program to promote sustainable development in the context of energy-efficient, affordable housing. Last fall DCA began soliciting proposals from housing development teams to design and construct housing that meets a strict set of energy and environmental criteria, including Energy Star Home efficiency standards. Projects are expected to range from 5 to 50 units and can be for new development as well as reconstruction of existing buildings into housing. Developers are encouraged to team up with consultants, planners, architects, and builders with demonstrated experience in sustainable design. Grants will pay for many of the incremental improvements that are called for under the project criteria. Proposals, which are due April 1, will be evaluated by a team of sustainable design experts. The program, which is also supported by Public Service Electric & Gas, is part of Governor Christine Todd Whitman's commitment to preserve the environment by fostering smart planning. For full details, visit DCA's Web site at www.state.nj.us/dca/dhcr/dhcrhome.htm or contact Peggy Huchet at DCA. Tel:(609)633-6284. Environmental Building News, September 1998. 28 Birge St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Tel:(802)257-7300; Fax:(802)257-7304; E-mail: ebn@build.com; Web site: www.ebuild.com.

Proper Crawlspace Details Clash with Building Codes. Thanks to solid research work done by Princeton Energy Partners, Florida Solar Energy Center, and the Building Research Council of the University of Illinois, quality builders know that a crawlspace should be carefully sealed and insulated. To do otherwise is to invite serious moisture problems, especially in hot, humid climates. Last year, ASHRAE eliminated the crawlspace ventilation requirement from the 1997 Handbook of Fundamentals. But regional and local codes, for the most part, have not followed suit. Energy Design Update, November 1998. Cutter Information Corporation, 37 Broadway, Suite 1, Arlington, MA 02474-5552. Tel:(800)964-5118; Fax:(800)888-1816; E-mail: clicata@cutter.com; Web site: www.cutter.com/energy.
 
 

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