NEW CITY – The Clarkstown Town Board has adopted a local law advancing town building codes to be more energy efficient.  The purpose of the local law is to require new one- or two-family homes and multiple single family homes like townhouses of three or less stories, be built to achieve a Home Energy Rating Score.  The rating is established by the National Home Energy Rating Technical Guidelines.   

“As a result, residents will have lower energy costs and better air quality in their homes, while providing environmental benefits for all,” said Town Supervisor Alex Gromack.  

Energy Star homes are 20 percent more efficient than the code requires and have more effective insulation, high-performance windows, tighter construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and energy star lighting and appliances.

“Mandatory Energy Star codes will ensure that Clarkstown fulfills one of its goals of the US Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, and that all new homes will be more efficient to run and have lower electric and heating bills,” said Town Councilwoman Shirley Lasker. “Developers will build to higher standards and the residents will be the beneficiaries of lower costs.  We will also be reducing our emissions overall.  This is a win-win situation for all in view of the high cost of energy and climate change.”