2007 Media Releases & Alerts

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Warren

NAHB Vice President/Secretary Bob Jones to Keynote 2008 EnergyValue Housing Awards

Annual Award Program Honors Top Builders of Energy-Efficient and Green Homes

December 14, 2007, Upper Marlboro, Md. - The NAHB Research Center today announced that Bob Jones, Vice President/Secretary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and leading industry spokesman on green building, will be the keynote speaker at its 2008 EnergyValue Housing Awards (EVHA) ceremony. Held annually, the EVHA recognizes visionary residential builders who have successfully integrated energy-efficiency and environmental responsibility into the design, construction, and marketing of their new homes. The winners among the 13 finalists will be announced during the awards ceremony, to be held on Feb. 13 during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla.

Bob Jones, president of Robert R. Jones Homes, was elected Vice President/Secretary of the 235,000-member NAHB in early 2007. As the NAHB senior officer with oversight of the association's green building activities, Jones has made substantial advances in raising awareness and heightening interest in green building and energy efficiency among NAHB members, policy makers, associated trade groups, and the public. During his 35-year career in home building, Jones has earned a reputation for excellence and made a continuing commitment to the industry at the local, state, and national levels.

Throughout his five-year tenure as an NAHB senior officer, Bob Jones will continue to steer the association's green building efforts, including its ongoing work with the NAHB Research Center and the International Code Council (ICC) to develop the National Green Building Standard - the first and only national green building standard for residential construction. While concerns over energy resources and the environment continue to make recent news headlines, an increasing number of home builders have shifted their focus to developing affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally-responsible construction techniques. Jones has noted that this movement toward environmentally-sensitive construction will be hastened by the arrival of the standard.

"Bob Jones is a respected NAHB senior officer who believes whole-heartedly in the work we're doing through the EVHA program to elevate the standards for energy-efficient construction," said Michael Luzier, NAHB Research Center President. "It is fitting that such an esteemed builder who is leading the green cause for our industry will join us to honor some of the best and brightest for their outstanding achievement and commitment to improving the performance of American homes."

Since 2002, Jones has made an even greater commitment to helping lead his national association forward, serving as chairman of two major committees as well as a specially appointed working group; serving as vice chairman of the National Council of the Housing Industry in 2004; and participating as a member of five major committees and task forces, including two positions on NAHB's powerful Budget and Finance Committee. Realizing the value of involvement in his local, state, and national builder associations, he was elected Michigan's national representative to NAHB in 1998-99 and was named "National Representative of the Year" for his efforts. Jones also led the 12,000-member Michigan Association of Home Builders as its president in 1999 and previously served as president of his local association, the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan, as well. His local BIA inducted him into its hall of fame in 2000.

About the EVHA: EVHA is coordinated by the NAHB Research Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the National Association of Home Builders. EVHA dinner banquet tickets are now available for purchase online at www.nahbrc.com/evha/tickets.html. Learn more about the 2008 EVHA finalists and vote for the People's Choice Award at www.nahbrc.com/evha/voting.aspx. For additional information, contact Dr. Kevin Mo, EVHA program manager, at (800) 638-8556 ext. 6210.

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12/07

ABOUT THE NAHB RESEARCH CENTER: Located in Upper Marlboro, Md., the NAHB Research Center promotes innovation in housing technology to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of homes and home building products. Created over 40 years ago as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the NAHB Research Center has established itself as the source for reliable, objective information and research on housing construction and development issues. Through its various testing and certification services, the Research Center seal is internationally-recognized as a mark of product quality and an assurance of product performance.

NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "NAHB Research Center." If clarification of the acronym is necessary, the phrase, "a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)," can follow. In subsequent mentions, "Research Center" is the only acceptable and accurate alternative reference.