Press Release:

For Immediate Release
   Media Contacts:
   Rebecca Ehlers
   Hoffman York
   414-225-9568 / 414-225-9522
   rehlers@hyc.com

Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Becomes First LEED for Homes Provider in Wisconsin
WECC chosen by United States Green Building Council to provide LEED Certification for residential homes in the Midwest

MADISON, Wis. (April 17, 2008) - Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) is the first and currently the only accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Provider in the state of Wisconsin. The United States Green Building Council selected WECC to be a LEED for Homes Provider based on its expertise in the areas of building performance, renewable energy and energy efficiency. As a LEED for Homes Provider, WECC will provide technical, marketing and verification support to homebuilders.

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of highperformance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier and more comfortable for occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

Similar to the LEED program for new commercial construction, LEED for homes is based on a four-tiered rating system, Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Points are awarded to projects based on their efficient use of energy resources, water resources, building construction resources, land resources and consideration of enhanced indoor environmental quality.

LEED homes are rated by LEED for Homes Providers - local organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in their region's market. WECC was chosen as a LEED Provider based on its proven track record as a national leader in the design and implementation of award winning energy programs. The company also developed an understanding of the certification process through its own experience with earning LEED Gold level certification for its Madison based headquarters, which was completed in 2007.

As a LEED Provider, WECC will promote the construction of green homes, help builders register their projects with LEED for Homes, submit documents necessary for LEED certification, provide green home rating support services to home builders and home owners train, coordinate and oversee green raters and builders support staff.

"Providing LEED for Homes certification is just one more way WECC can help residents achieve their goals of being environmentally responsible and energy independent," said Gregory Nahn, manager of building sciences for WECC. "Partnering with the Unites States Green Building Council is a natural fit with our existing work and mission to provide innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers."

In another nod to WECC's successful work in advancing building performance within the residential building industry, WECC was recently named an Affiliate of the Building Performance Institute's accredited training program. As a BPI Affiliate, WECC teaches professional contractors and technicians the fundamentals of home performance evaluation and whole-home retrofit planning and execution with a focus on the house-as-a-system concept, including mechanical equipment, the building envelope and manufactured housing. Once trained and certified, these contractors and technicians will be able to help homeowners improve the performance, comfort and safety of their homes.

To learn more about WECC and its programs for residents and businesses, call (800) 969-9322, or visit www.weccusa.org.

About the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Wis. Established in 1980, WECC is a national leader in designing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that partner with private businesses to deliver value to consumers. It champions innovative energy initiatives that deliver short- and long-term economic and environmental benefits to consumers, businesses and policy makers. For more information about WECC, call 800.969.9322 or visit weccusa.org.

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