The Nest Cottages at Serenbe: Model Opening July 2010

Next Generation Energy Efficiency: Test Site for Southface & US Dept of Energy – Cost Efficient – Smaller Footprint Cottages – Organic Farm & Lake Views – Steps from Serenbe Stables

News

Press Release:

July 12, 2010 - RADIANCE SOLAR COMPLETES INSTALL AT THE NEST IN THE SERENBE COMMUNITY

(Atlanta, Georgia) Radiance Solar, in partnership with Serenbe and HCNRGSolutions, completed a 3 kW residential install on the first Nest Cottage in the community of Serenbe. The system is expected to provide most of the home's electrical energy needs and includes a monitoring kiosk for visitors to actively view solar energy production.

The array incorporates SunPower modules and SMA inverters installed on a standing seam roof. The system provides approximately 4050 kWh of power annually.

The energy-efficient Nest Cottage showcases next-level environmental measures including geothermal heating and cooling and solar photovoltaic energy generation, as well as energy-efficient building materials and Energy Star appliances.

The model home is one of 15 Nest Cottages planned for Serenbe Community. In the desire to achieve Platinum certification under the EarthCraft House regional green building program, the home hopes to achieve 80 percent source energy savings over the DOE's Building America Program benchmark of 30% savings on the average home.

Radiance Solar will offer a solar install option to future Nest Cottage owners in an effort to further energy independence and cost savings. "We're delighted to partner with Serenbe, the Nest development, and HCNRG with the introduction of solar as a cost-effective solution towards achieving a net-zero residence," James Marlow, CEO of Radiance Solar, said. "We look forward to working with other Nest home buyers on similar projects to help meet their needs, while progressing towards the Serenbe community's goal of a net-zero development."

More information on the project can be found at www.serenbenest.wordpress.com

About Radiance Solar

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Radiance Solar designs, develops and installs turnkey solar energy systems that help commercial and residential customers save money while reducing their carbon footprint. Radiance is a triple bottom-line company: people, planet, profits. Their focus is on providing outstanding customer service and helping customers determine what they need to do to save money, reduce their environmental impact and help America become energy independent. www.radiancesolar.com

About Serenbe

Serenbe is a 1,000-acre community located just 30 minutes from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with a focus on balanced growth, sustainability, green building, organic farming, and smart environmental practices. Serenbe has private residential homes, commercial space, art galleries, original shops, stables, the 20-room Inn at Serenbe with conference facilities, and Serenbe Farms with CSA program and Saturday markets. The community is home to three restaurants, all pioneers in the farm-to-table movement: Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop (the nation's smallest Silver LEED certified building), The Farmhouse (proprietress Marie Nygren), and The Hil (chef/owner Hilary White). www.serenbe.com

About HCNRGSolutions

HCNRGSolutions is a provider of renewable energy solutions for the generation of electricity through the use of clean and renewable sources. HCNRG works with Grant Managers, Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Brokers, Regulatory Affairs Experts and Geographical Assessment Specialists who examine the renewable energy industry for opportunities and developments within this region that could impact your investment. www.hcnrg.com

Media Contact: James Marlow, (404) 885-9898 (office), (404) 213-0718 (cellular)

July 6, 2010 - ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS SERENBE & SOUTHFACE ANNOUNCE NEXT-GENERATION HOME WITH LAKE-LOOP GEOTHERMAL COOLING, PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR POWER

The First Nest Cottage to serve as test site for DOE’s Building America Program; Opens July 10 with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Serenbe

ATLANTA & CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, GA (7.6.2010) – Serenbe and Southface announce the grand opening of the first Nest Cottage at Serenbe, a highly energy-efficient new home designed by architect Lew Oliver and built by Martin-Dodson Homes. Currently serving as a laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program, the Nest’s first model home is instrumented to provide data on the cost savings and energy efficiency that are expected to result from its next-level environmental measures which include lake-source geothermal heating and cooling, solar photovoltaic arrays, and highly energy-efficient and water-conserving ENERGY STAR® appliances. The model officially opens on July 10 with a ribbon cutting celebration from 5 – 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Demonstrations with environmental home products will take place in the model; visit www.serenbenest.wordpress.com for updates and more details.

This first model home is one of 15 small-footprint Nest cottages nestled between Serenbe’s organic farm and 6-acre lake, demonstrating durable, high quality green construction and thoughtful land planning.

Exceptional Energy Performance
Seeking Platinum certification under the EarthCraft House regional green building program, the prototype Nest model home, at 1,100 square feet, is expected to exceed 80 percent source energy savings over the Building America benchmark. Subsequent Nest cottages will benefit from research conducted by Southface on the first model cottage, resulting in even more cost-effective pathways to the 80 percent source energy savings goal.

The 2-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath, single-family model home will achieve its exceptional energy efficiency through building shell improvements and mechanical upgrades, and will have multiple environmentally responsible and progressive features including lake-loop geothermal heating and cooling; passive solar and solar-ready design; reclaimed wastewater for irrigation; ENERGY STAR and WaterSense® appliances and fixtures; “night sky” regulations for star-filled skies; minimal grading and disturbance of land; natural landscaping with edible fruit-bearing bushes and trees; concierge recycling and compost service; underground utilities; and pre-wiring for 21st century technology.

“These cottages respond to an emerging value shift – homeowners realizing ’home’ is more than a structure, and being immersed in a true community that includes neighbors as friends and surrounded by nature is of utmost importance,” says Steve Nygren, co-founder of Serenbe. “People are realizing that a smaller, cost- and energy-efficient home is smart and healthy. We have responded by offering a top quality, well-designed, amenity-rich cottage.”

Commented Dennis Creech, executive director of Southface, “Serenbe’s forward-thinking decision to build the Nest in compliance with the Building America program means homeowners will benefit from much lower energy and water expenses while enjoying attractive homes that provide fresh-air ventilation, feature high-quality, durable materials, and are environmentally friendly.”

“Southface is also pleased to note the Nest Cottages are on track to become among the most energy-efficient EarthCraft single-family homes to be built in the ten-year history of the EarthCraft program. We congratulate Serenbe for its commitment to setting a new standard for energy efficiency and community development throughout the country.”

Nest Partners
The following companies have partnered with Serenbe, Southface, Lew Oliver and Martin-Dodson Homes to provide the latest in cost-efficient, energy-efficient and stylish products for the Nest model: American Standard, Beaulieu Carpet, Building Envelope Protection, Fleming, HCNRG Solutions, Icynene, Radiance Solar, Tremco, US Floors, Woodman Insulation, and Zumpano Enterprises. More information about the Nest partners can be found in displays in the model home.

About Building America’s Builders Challenge
Spearheaded by the U.S Department of Energy’s Building America program, the Builders Challenge presents a unique opportunity for homebuilders across America to build a new generation of high-performance homes using proven innovations, working toward the ultimate goal of providing cost-effective, net-zero energy homes by 2030. A high performance home would use at least 30 percent less energy than a typical new home built to code, and also meet the highest safety, health and quality standards.

About EarthCraft
Founded in 1999 as a joint program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface, EarthCraft is a green building program that addresses the unique climate conditions of the Southeast, and includes more than 450 trained builders from across six states. All EarthCraft buildings undergo two independent 3rd party inspections to evaluate compliance with these program requirements:

Advanced energy-efficiency capabilities, including ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances, that reduce energy consumption;
Water conservation capabilities that save potable water;
Resource-conserving design and materials to minimize impact on landfills;
Healthy indoor air quality for occupant comfort;
Good site location and planning for transportation convenience;
An education program for homeowners to ensure optimum benefit from living in an EarthCraft building.

About Serenbe
Serenbe is a 1,000-acre community located just 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with a focus on balanced growth, sustainability, green building, organic farming, and smart environmental practices. Serenbe has private residential homes, commercial space, art galleries, original shops, stables, the 20-room Inn at Serenbe with conference facilities, and Serenbe Farms with CSA program and Saturday markets. The community is home to three restaurants, all pioneers in the farm-to-table movement: Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop (the nation’s smallest Silver LEED certified building), The Farmhouse (proprietress Marie Nygren), and The Hil (chef/owner Hilary White). www.serenbe.com.

About Southface
Since 1978, Southface has encouraged responsible solutions for environmental living. Driven by the Southeast’s growing need to save energy and water, and preserve our natural resources, Southface has successfully fostered unique partnerships with business, government and nonprofit organizations. Southface’s educational programs, research and technical assistance reach design and construction professionals, homeowners, government officials and others, promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities. For more information, please visit Southface at www.southface.org.

Media Contact: Tucker Berta, tucker@serenbe.com

Media: To schedule interviews or tour the Nest cottage, please contact Tucker Berta, tucker@serenbe.com.