Builder Profile: Better Way Builders
Introducing Grant Estates – the first all ENERGY STAR® subdivision in central Illinois
Troy Libbra is Managing Partner of Better Way Builders, a progressive green homebuilder in central Illinois that focuses on building high performance, energy-efficient homes. Under his guidance, Better Way Builders built the first Energy Star home in downstate Illinois to achieve a 5 Star Plus rating AND the first house in Illinois to meet the Department of Energy’s Builder Challenge.
As Chair of the Green Building Council, Troy works with the council and HBA staff to build awareness and education of green building practices within the HBA and community. Troy is thorough in his research, pays meticulous attention to detail and “swings a hammer” on his projects, earning him the trust and respect of his clients.
Troy’s latest project is Grant Estates, a subdivision in Brighton, Ill. committed to building only ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The first completed home has earned an ENERGY STAR rating of 47, which is an impressive rating considering homes have to get a rating of 85 or less to qualify. It is currently on display as a showcase home, open to the public.
See the whole process of how this ENERGY STAR home was built by watching the videos below. For more information contact Better Way Builders. Go to www.betterwaybuilders.com.
Troy Libbra, above right, is interviewed by Act On Energy team
members at the groundbreaking of the first Grant Estates home.
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Act On Energy ENERGY STAR New Home
Better Way Builders Home
Completed October 2010 in Brighton, IL
ENERGY STAR Certified 5 Stars Plus
Rendering of the ENERGY STAR Grant Estates Showcase Home
176 Ashton Drive, Brighton, IL 62012
Check the Alton Telegraph for Open House dates or call 1.217.246.3771.
Directions: Once in Brighton continue north through the stop light on SR111/267; then continue to the North edge of town and make a right into Grant Estates. The home is located at 176 Ashton Drive.
Features of this ENERGY STAR Showcase Home include:
- Pre-cast insulated foundation system
- Structurally insulated wall and roof panel system (SIPS)
- 1,500 square feet of living space
- ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and fixtures
- Low flow toilets and fixtures
- High efficiency dual pane low E vinyl ENERGY STAR windows
- High efficiency gas furnace
- Attached 2-car garage
- 3 bedrooms and 2 baths
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- Passive solar orientation
- Energy-efficient envelope
- High efficiency systems and appliances
- Healthy indoor air quality to ease asthma and allergy symptoms through the use of low VOC paints and adhesives, along with excellent interior moisture management and ventilation
- Lower utility bills
- Less maintenance
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ENERGY STAR New Home Videos: From groundbreaking to FOR SALE Sign