Dan's Papers - July 18, 2008 - SH Makes Energy Demands On McMansions

As more and more mega-mansions go up in the fields of Southampton Town, the board is looking for ways to stop the drain on energy consumption. If proposed legislation goes through on July 22 at the Southampton Town Board meeting, this town may be one of the first in the state to adopt the most stringent and progressive home energy savings programs yet.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Anna Throne-Holst proposed legislation which would require energy-saving devices on all new construction or substantial renovations, after October 1, 2008. The number of devices needed would depend on the size of the new homes. The new amendment would also require any new swimming pool construction after October 1, 2008 to have solar-powered heaters.

Southampton Chief Building Inspector Mike Benincasa, who wrote the proposed amendment to the town code, explained that the new legislation is broken down into four tiers, according to LIPA's Home Energy Rating System (HERS). This system rates homes according to their rate of energy usage.

The first tier would require homes up to 3,500 square feet to have a minimum rating of 84, and the second tier would require homes between 3,501 square feet and 4,500 square feet to achieve a rating of 87. Third-tier homes - 4,501-6,500 square feet - would require a rating of 90. Any fourth-tier homes built after October 1 that are over 6,501 square feet, would need a rating of 95.

Benincasa explained that as these homes grow in size, they need increased amounts of energy-saving devices installed, from solar thermal hot water systems, to photovoltaic panels, to wind generated electricity. He said homes at the "higher end of tier three would start needed larger amounts of these systems to save on energy."

But he emphasized that although these extra energy-saving devices would initially cost the new homeowners more money, in the long run they will save money, and the cost of energy will go down substantially.

"A new home over 6,500 square feet will eventually be saving 75% of the energy consumption of the same house built under the regular New York State code," he said. "As these energy point ratings increase, they are saving costs and becoming more energy-efficient," he said.

Holst-Throne said if this legislation passes on July 22, "Our town will be one of the most progressive on Long Island, and probably in the whole state." She said she was motivated to do this because of the growing numbers of mega-mansions in Southampton Town.

"Why should everyone suffer from this added pollution, when these new homeowners can share in the responsibility, and many of these homeowners and builders have said they would be happy to?" she asked.

At a public hearing held on July 8, many builders said these energy-saving devices would eventually pay off. But some said they have contracts for homes which would have to be revised, and this would cost them more money to install these new devices.

"I support this new legislation, and we expect it to pass on July 22, when we will have another public hearing," said Southampton Councilman Dan Russo. "In Southampton, people want to be green - it's almost considered chic."