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The Green movement is taking hold with architects, builders and homeowners who are designing houses around the country to be more energy efficient as the move to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and achieve sustainability grows.

Southampton - The green movement took a giant leap forward in Southampton this week as town officials introduced cutting edge legislation that would require houses to be built to comply with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) New York Energy Star Labeled Homes Program standards.

Councilwoman Anna Throne-Holst has taken a leadership role in the movement to achieve sustainability in Southampton Town by pressing for the adoption of building codes mandating houses be built to be more energy efficient.

Unlike earlier movements aimed at energy conservation spurred on by high gasoline prices that compelled homeowners to turn to solar heating panels and explore alternative sources of energy that were largely voluntary, the Southampton Town Green Committee has made a dramatic move with their proposal to mandating the use of energy saving measures by amending their town's building code.

If implemented, the changes to the building code would result in the creation of homes with far greater energy efficiency than is now required under the existing code. Town officials expect the new building regulations to cost homeowners more money up front on construction costs but contend the expense will be worth it in the long run as lower energy costs will be realized for the lifetime of the structure.

The law, if enacted, will apply to all new one and two family homes, as well as to multi-family dwellings and townhouses. Extensive reconstruction to existing structures will also be encompassed in the new law, along with swimming pools, which will have to be heated with energy saving solar systems.

Under the new legislation, the energy efficiency requirements will be directly related to the size of the house and will increase proportionally. Larger houses will be subject to more stringent code requirements since they consume more energy.

More efficient lightbulbs, household appliances and building materials designed to reduce energy consumption are key.

The use of energy saving appliances will also be mandated along with the use of energy saving heating and cooling systems. Doors, windows and overall construction are to be designed to resist air infiltration and eliminate drafts and heat loss. The law will also require the installation of a time clock on all swimming pool heat pumps that will enable the pump to run during off peak hours when electrical demand is less.

The changes to the code where proposed by Councilwomen Nancy Graboski and Anna Throne-Holst and were researched and fine-tuned by Michael Benincasa, the town's chief building inspector. Both Graboski and Throne-Holst are founders of the town's newly formed Green Committee, which has been meeting for months mulling over the proposal.

"We don't know how this is going to be received by the public," Graboski said as she handed out copies of the draft legislation after the last board meeting. "We will expose it to the public and see what happens."

The town board plans to hold a public hearing on the law at the July 8 meeting scheduled to be held at 1 p.m.

Councilwoman Nancy Graboski pushed for the creation of the town's new Green Committee and has pressed for the implementation of energy saving measures at town hall as part of the campaign to achieve sustainability.

"We believe we have a responsibility to come to the forefront in the movement towards sustainability," Throne-Holst said. "This law is not intended to punish anyone. We want people to take responsibility for their energy consumption. Big houses use a lot of energy. If you are privileged enough to build a big house you have to take responsibility for your energy consumption," Throne-Holst added, noting the town board's responsibility to the community at large. "We are trying to protect our citizens by protecting the environment and that is the responsibility of government."

Graboski concurred. "We want to protect the environment for everyone. Trying to be self-sustainable is good for all of us."

Architect and Green Committee member Paul Rogers praised the law pointing to the importance of the Board's actions.

"We need to address the issues of energy consumption," Rogers said. "Initially we expect to go through an adjustment period as architects and builders become familiar with the new requirements but eventually everyone will be up to speed and it will become commonplace."

Rogers also pointed to the increasing public awareness regarding energy consumption. "Ten years ago no one was talking about this, now everyone is aware of energy saving appliances."

It is not surprising that this cutting edge code modification should originate in Southampton where architects have been in the forefront of design movements for years as they cater to a wealthy and trend setting clientèle. "I think it will catch on, people are aware that it is chic to go green," Rogers said.

"It's a big step," Graboski said, "but we have to take it."

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