CIB Decked Out a Fun Success

We attended the Decked Out fundraiser party last night at the Center for the Inland Bays (CIB) office overlooking the Indian River Inlet at Rehoboth. A great night. Enjoying drinks and desserts with steel drum music they held a silent auction with lots of great stuff. Attended by Dave and Nancy, Howard and friend Tim (who works in Sussex in Fish & Wildlife). Saw lots of familiar faces including CIB staffers Ed Lewandowski, Jenn Jones and Chris Bason and his wife Chantel Bouchard. Also saw some DNREC folks too. See our earlier blogs about CIB and the events which are supported by this fundraiser. JCM and our partners VLM Property Management are very happy to have been able to help sponsor this event.

The night ended with departure gifts, homemade lollipops by Jenn Jones. Classy and creative!

Delaware State Fair

The Delaware State Fair runs through Sunday.

Don't forget to come visit JCM Environmental and their critters at the DNREC Building (next to the farm equipment display). You can talk with JCM representatives between 1 and 5 each day and also enter for a chance to win an iPod for filling out a green building questionnaire.

Hope to see you there.

Ezion Fair Open House

Craig, Doug, Jacki and Jim had a great time at the Opening of the Ezion Fair Baptist Church today in Wilmington. We saw Jack Markell, Tom Carper, Paul Clark, Penrose Hollins and many other old friends and new friends.

When Pastor Curry introduced Jack Markell, he said that none of this would have been possible without the Governor and JCM Environmental....wow, that makes you feel good! We love to be there to see a successful project come to completion.

Jim, for the first time ever, spoke from the pulpit of a Baptist Church and thanked the Pastor and the Congregation for putting their faith in JCM and allowing us to assist in this important project (he even got a few Amens!).

It was a great day with lots of people thanking us for a job well done.

We made many new friends today at Ezion Fair and hope to keep in touch.

Congratulations Ezion Fair

http://jcmenv.com/Ezion%20Fair%20Congrats%20Ad.pdf


Pastor Curry had the vision to take an under-utilized processing plant and create a magnificent church committed to giving back to the community.


Services provided by JCM Environmental include:

• Wetlands Investigation
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
• Brownfields Redevelopment
• Certified Construction Review

Wild Delmarva Exhibit

Photo by Kevin Fleming


From Cape Gazette: http://www.capegazette.com/storiescurrent/200907/flemings24.html





“Wild Delmarva,” a photograph exhibit featuring the work of Kevin and Jay Fleming, will open at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 30, at the Center for the Inland Bays at the third annual Decked Out! fundraiser for the center.



“After spending over six months shooting for our new book, Wild Delmarva, Jay and I will be displaying our new work for the first time at the Center for the Inland Bays,” said Kevin Fleming.



The event, featuring dessert tastings, drinks and the Sounds of Steel will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on the deck at the center overlooking Indian River Inlet. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at inlandbays.org or by calling 302-226-8105



Event sponsors are Perdue; Allied Waste – A Republic Services Company; Artesian Water Company; Conectiv Energy; Clean Green Horizons; Greeley and Hansen; JCM Environmental & VLM Lake Management; South Bethany Property Owners Association; AC Schultes of Delaware; Duffield Associates; Mountaire Farms; Tidewater Utilities; Barbara and Gary Jayne; Concierge by the Sea; Comcast Spotlight; and Clean Delaware. Proceeds from the event will benefit the center’s endowment fund at the Delaware Community Foundation.



For more information on the Delaware Inland Bays, visit inlandbays.org

JCM Environmental sponsors CIB Event

JCM Environmental is one of the sponsors (along with our partner VLM) of the Center for Inland Bays "Decked Out" event next Thursday evening. You can visit Dave and Howard there and have a good time. Tickets are still available. For more information see: http://www.capegazette.com/storiescurrent/200907/cibfundraiser17.html

Reybold Group takes home the Gold

Builder’s Meridian Crossing townhomes first in state to achieve NAHB‘s top certification

By Carol Kipp

The Reybold Group was committed to green building practices and energy-efficient homes well ahead of the current trend. This builder’s mandate to follow strict construction guidelines far exceeds minimal county standards. But when the National Association of Home Builders published their standards for green construction in early 2009, it was like throwing down a gauntlet. Reybold decided to aim for the gold—the highest of three certification levels. They were determined to settle for nothing less than the best.

And so it was no surprise when last month the builder’s first two Meridian Crossing townhomes were awarded green certification at the Gold Level, the second homes in Delaware to achieve that status and the first townhomes. Nationally, they are among the first 100. The Meridian Crossing homes did more than just meet the gold-level standards; true to form, they exceeded them by 65 points. Credit for this achievement also goes to JCM Environmental, a local group that acts as an advocate for the environment and green-construction guide to builders looking for cost-effective ways to achieve sustainability.

This newly conferred award can only be good news for buyers who want to dramatically reduce energy costs, live in a healthy indoor environment and invest in a home built to last. Reybold is committed to gold-certification standards for every Meridian Crossing townhome. And even though geothermal heating and cooling and solar electric are not required at the gold level, in this community they are standard features. Reybold is the first builder in New Castle County—possibly even the first in the state—to include renewable-energy systems in the base price. Experts maintain that a geothermal system will reduce heating and cooling costs by 60 to 70 percent, and that solar panels will significantly offset the cost of electricity.

At Meridian Crossing, conveniently located on a quiet byway off Rt. 40 in Bear, the value runs deep because so many energy-saving features are standard. The list includes 2-by-6 exterior framing that boosts wall insulation to R-19 (instead of the usual R-13) and ceiling insulation to R-38 (instead of R-30). Water-saving features include dual-flush toilets with full- and half-flush options, plus low-flow water faucets that do not diminish the pressure. Reybold also installs bathroom fans timed to go off automatically and also help circulate indoor air, motion sensors on outdoor lighting, and a host of Energy-Star approved features, from appliances and ceiling fans to light fixtures, water heaters and windows. An optional electric fireplace fools the eye into thinking it’s wood-burning.

The goal of The Reybold Group is to be the best green builder in Delaware, which explains the commitment to state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems and carbon footprints reduced by as much as 45 percent. That same pride is reflected in the overall community.

An impressive boulevard entrance introduces a site plan with winding streets, stacked stonewalls, trees and flowering plants. The recently completed clubhouse features an interior with Manhattan sophistication and amenities that include a social gathering room with big-screen TV, great room with gourmet kitchen, fitness center, media center and Internet-ready business center, plus a conference room and men’s and women’s changing rooms. Tot lots, baseball and soccer fields are installed as well.

The four models available live up to the status level of the community. Stately historic-inspired facades are the prelude to more than 2,300-square feet of finished living space on three levels. Open-floor-plan designs reflect a very modern sensibility. Three of the models have rear-access, oversized garages; all of them have flexible floor plans—two bedrooms instead of three and a kitchen in the front or the rear. Count on a maintenance-free rear deck on the main level, two full and two half-baths, a kitchen island with breakfast bar, a family room on the lower level, security system, and a concrete rear patio on homes with a front-entry garage.

Prices start in the $270s, but if you factor in energy-cost savings and included features, the value is greater than with lower-priced homes of comparable size. And the difference in overall monthly cost is negligible. In Meridian Crossing, The Reybold Group is building the home of tomorrow today.

Meridian Crossing/The Reybold Group
Press release/July 11 News Journal

Delaware State Fair

Come out and visit JCM Environmental at the Delaware State Fair. We will be in the DNREC Building (adjacent to the outdoor farm equipment display (map). For the third year in a row we will be volunteering our time to make the Fish and Wildlife Exhibit better with our fish, reptiles and amphibians and our experts will be on hand everyday between 1 and 5 to answer questions.

Because some people would rather complain than volunteer, we will not be allowed to display our logo on our tanks, shirts, name tags or anywhere else. Support JCM Environmental by coming out between 1 and 5 and telling the volunteer that you appreciate what they are doing.

We will be giving away an iPod to one lucky person who fills out our Green Building Survey....be sure to look for the survey!

Thank you everyone for your support and watch here for more details.

The Fair runs from July 23rd to August 1st......see you there!!

Building Green…..What Makes A J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ Home GREEN

The construction of green homes has become a mainstream trend. While many builders claim to be “green,” South Jersey-based homebuilder J.S. Hovnanian & Sons has both the experience and certification to back it up.

Their active-adult community, Roesville, in Frederica, Delaware was the first to be certified green by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The more than 400 ranch-style, single-family homes planned for the Roesville community will be constructed with the use of specific materials and building techniques that meet the NAHB guidelines.

“The smart design and efficiency of the homes we build provide economical savings to our buyers while also contribute to a healthier environment,” said Stephen Hovnanian, principal of J.S. Hovnanian & Sons.

While many builders implement a variety of measures to construct homes that barely meet the lowest standards for green certification, J.S. Hovnanian goes beyond these metrics to ensure that the homes they design and build include the most stringent green building practices.

In fact, for over seven years, J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ homes have been built above the ENERGY STAR guidelines, earning them an exceptional level of performance. Some of the key building and ENERGY STAR practices the company implements to achieve their green certification includes:

· Engineered roof trusses material waste is kept to a minimum during manufacture and they are stronger than old roof styles
· Panelized walls keep material waste down to a minimum during manufacture
· PEX manobloc system for indoor water delivery gets water to the faucet faster via dedicated tubing, so you waste less to get hot water
· Site design creates a minimal impact on the natural environment and uses native plants
· Sealed duct work with special adhesives to minimize leaks
· Low-E argon-filled window keeps conditioned air in and the outside air out
· High-efficiency tankless hot water heaters
· Energy Star appliances reduce energy costs and help keep your carbon footprint to a minimum
· Special insulation practices ensure a tight seal for your home
· Programmable Thermostats help to save energy, money, and help fight global warming

“Our 45-years of experience as master planners and builders has enabled us to design cutting-edge products that meet the needs and budgets of today’s buyers without compromising the future of our environment,” added Hovnanian.

For more information about J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ Roesville community in Delaware, please contact Kathy Engel at 302-335-5804 or visit http://www.hovhomes.com.

(prepared by J.S. Hovnanian & Sons)

J.S. Hovnanian & Sons Premier Delaware Community Receiveds NAHB Green Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Liz Thomas/Carla Reinas
856-642-6226

J.S. Hovnanian & Sons Premier Delaware Community Receives
NAHB Green Standard Certification

Homes in J.S. Hovnanian & Sons Roesville community – the company’s first housing community in Delaware – have been certified as “green” by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) according to its new green building guidelines.

According to the NAHB, green homes utilize a wide variety of sustainable home building practices in both their design and in their building process. Incorporating renewable materials to conserve energy and preserve the earth’s valuable environmental resources, these homes ultimately meet all of the specifications outlined in the NAHB’s National Green Building Guidelines.

When completed, the active adult buyers of Roesville will enjoy life in one of over 400 ranch-style, single-family homes – each offering a variety of innovative three-bedroom, two-bath designs. The homes will be built using specific materials and building techniques that meet NAHB guidelines. When built to such high efficiency standards, homeowners will expend less energy to achieve the same level of comfort they have become accustomed to.

J.S. Hovnanian & Sons engineers have conducted extensive research and have estimated the following energy savings for Roesville homeowners:

The accumulative energy savings once all 444 homes are completed will be more or less equivalent to removing 175 cars from the road, reducing independence on oil by 2,219 barrels per year or saving seven acres of forest from deforestation.
Similarly, the individual cost-savings in owning one of these homes is roughly equivalent to the planting of 55 trees each year, recycling 1,480 lbs of trash or having 67 families switching from plastic to reusable grocery bags.

Roesville models are priced starting in the low $200,000’s. The community is host to many luxurious amenities including indoor/outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a travel library, basketball and tennis courts, putting greens and a multi-modal fitness trail. The age-restricted community also features a 10,000 square-foot lodge – a state-of-the-art facility that inspires a sense of community and activity among a new trend of active-adult buyers.

For more information about J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ Roesville community in Delaware, please contact Kathy Engel at 302-335-5804 or visit http://www.hovhomes.com/. Energy savings are estimates, based on comparisons of building the same floor plan to minimum energy and building code requirements, and will vary based on usage.

(prepared by JS Hovnanian & Sons)

BUY GREEN IN DELAWARE AND HIT A GRAND SLAM

Baseball season has begun and we’re all waiting for our teams to hit their first grand slam. If you’re an active adult looking to buy a new home in Delaware – step up to the plate, add up these elements and hit your own grand slam.

First, consider a J.S. Hovnanian & Sons home. You know this family-owned company has built its entire reputation on building a quality product at a reasonable price.

Next, look at J.S.Hovnanian’s newest active-adult community in Delaware called Roesville. You will receive a great deal on one of over 400 ranch-style, single family homes – each with innovative three-bedroom, two-bath designs, with prices starting in the low $200,000’s.

Finally, take into consideration the fact that Roesville is the first active-adult community in Delaware that has been certified as “green” by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) according to its new, strict green building guidelines.

Have you stopped to think about the reasons why buying green is important? Besides the fact that you are doing your part to preserve our precious environment, buying a home that meets the NAHB’s strict guidelines will help you expend less energy to achieve the same level of comfort you have become accustomed to.

J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ green homes utilize a wide variety of sustainable home building practices in both their design and in their building process. Incorporating renewable materials helps conserve energy and preserve the earth’s valuable environmental resources.

The company’s engineers have conducted extensive research and have estimated the following energy savings for Roesville homeowners:

The accumulative energy savings once all 444 homes are completed will be more or less equivalent to removing 175 cars from the road, reducing independence on oil by 2,219 barrels per year or saving seven acres of forest from deforestation.
Similarly, the individual cost-savings in owning one of these homes is roughly equivalent to the planting of 55 trees each year, recycling 1,480 lbs of trash or having 67 families switching from plastic to reusable grocery bags.

You have to agree these are impressive savings. In addition, these figures are solely based on Energy Star® gas and electric usage savings and would be even higher if the engineers took into account the savings one can also accrue through the water saving measures that have been built into each home.

So step up to the plate and buy a green home at Roesville, in Delaware. You’ll get great satisfaction out of hitting one out-of-the-park.

Energy savings are estimates, based on comparisons of building the same floor plan to minimum energy and building code requirements, and will vary based on usage.

For more information about J.S. Hovnanian & Sons’ Roesville community in Delaware, please contact Kathy Engel at 302-335-5804 or visit http://www.hovhomes.com/.

(Prepared by JS Hovnanian & Sons)

Meeting with Colin O'Marra

Several JCM employees are meeting with the new DNREC Secretay along with the Homebuilders Association of Delaware to discuss issues of importance to the industry.

New Employee

The Sciences Branch welcomes a new employee today, John Phelps.

John has extensive Pennsylvania wetland and waterway permitting experience as well as:

Soils (Septic evaluator, designer and inspector in PA, perc testing)
GIS (Highly skilled in GIS and GPS)
Storm Water and Road Construction Inspection
Wetland Delineation

He previously worked in Mercer County NJ, Dept of Transportation doing water management and mosquito control. As well as a civil engineering firm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

John will be the newest PM in the Sciences Branch and will be taking the lead on existing and new Pennsylvania projects as well as other wetland delineation and permitting projects.

John can be reached at jphelps@jcmenv.com or 302-737-9335 X107