Press Releases

Goshen-based builder will wrap up major Albany-area project in April

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Feb. 9, 2012) – The Ruby Group, a Goshen-based project management, general contracting and consulting firm, was brought up to Albany by Time Warner Cable to build its new Northeast Sales Operations Center in Colonie, N.Y.

The project, which kicked off in November, has involved the renovation of a 74,000 square-foot building that has been vacant for a number of years. The multi-million dollar redevelopment will result in a facility that will eventually employ over 600 people in sales, administration, information technology and human resources.

“The redevelopment process has gone very smoothly at the site, and it has been terrific working with Time Warner Cable for the renovation of this facility,” said Peter Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group. “Our team has done an excellent job in keeping the project on time and within its budget, and it has been a pleasure to contribute to the economic investment that Time Warner has made in the Albany region.”

The building, located at 337 New Karner Road in Colonie, will soon be fully operational, with Time Warner Cable expected to make a full transition into the facility in the coming months. The sales center will provide service to the company’s customers in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

Time Warner Cable chose The Ruby Group for the project because of the importance of meeting its April 2012 completion date, and the company needed a contractor that could offer design/build services while at the same time starting construction and completing value engineering for the project.

The center also had complex technology needs because it would be used for data and IT personnel. The Ruby Group has been able to handle this complexity, and will deliver the project on time and within budget.

About Time Warner Cable of the Northeast

Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., with technologically advanced, well-clustered systems in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York State(including New York City), the Carolinas, Ohio, southern California (including Los Angeles) and Texas. Time Warner Cable serves more than 14 million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data and voice services. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers a suite of phone, Internet, Ethernet and cable television services to businesses of all sizes. Time Warner Cable Media Sales, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions that are targeted and affordable.

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group is a project management, general contracting and consulting firm that serves developers, owners, landlords, tenants and investors in both commercial and residential real estate. Based in Goshen, New York, the firm oversees both new construction and development, and has a high level of expertise in green building and attaining LEED certifications. To learn more, visit http://www.rubygrp.com.

NAHB Commercial Builders Council recognizes

The Ruby Group’s design-build work for Lodi, N.J., business

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Dec. 28, 2011) – The recent renovation of The Elan, a Lodi, N.J., catering and events hall, has received national recognition for The Ruby Group, the Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company that updated the facility’s structure and appearance to draw in clients from the surrounding community.

The project was honored by the NAHB Commercial Builders Council, which sponsors the annual Awards of Excellence for light commercial projects on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders, with a Merit Award for its entry. The Awards of Excellence recognize achievements in design, market appeal, aesthetics, challenges faced during building and overall success of commercial projects that are either built or renovated and range in size from less than 5,000 to more than 100,000 square feet.

“It’s extremely satisfying to see that The Ruby Group is gaining national recognition for its design-build work,” said Peter Berman, president of The Ruby Group. “This project was very satisfying in that it involved a complete renovation of the space into something that is both modern and stylish.”

The Ruby Group stepped in during the middle of the planning phase of this design-build project calling for structural modifications and interior renovations to modernize a 15,000-plus-square-foot catering and banquet facility. The centerpiece of the project is a dramatic, two-story atrium lobby and entry. The Ruby Group completely reconstructed the entryway to include new stairs and a catwalk as access to the second floor. The chrome and mirrored space now includes natural stone walls and custom wood doors that lead into the main event area.

“The extensive renovation needed for this property presented a challenge that was met with clear competence and a lot of hard work,” said Gene Graf III, 2011 chair of the Commercial Builders Council and owner of Gallatin Center LP in Bozeman, Mont. “Congratulations to The Ruby Group for being recognized with this award.”

The renovation also included roof replacement, asbestos abatement and mechanical retrofits. Extensive interior renovations included new electrical, lighting, floor coverings, wall coverings, hardwood dance floors and kitchen upgrades.

The company was able to meet the owner’s needs and budget despite the necessary replacement of the roof. Some existing elements were repurposed, and the wood floors were repaired and refinished instead of being completely replaced. Greater energy efficiency was achieved through better and more thorough insulation, as well as the addition of a new high-efficiency HVAC unit.

ABOUT THE RUBY GROUP

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800. Follow The Ruby Group on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/The_Ruby_Group and search for us on Facebook.

ABOUT NCBC

The NAHB Commercial Builders Council addresses regulatory and legislative issues and provides educational and information services to NAHB members who are light commercial builders and remodelers. For more information on commercial building trends, techniques, issues, and best business practices, visit www.nahb.org/commercialmagazine.

ABOUT NAHB

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 160,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/NAHBMedia.

NAHB Commercial Builders Council recognizes

The Ruby Group’s fast, efficient completion of large project

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Dec. 21, 2011) – The recent renovation of a Middletown, N.Y., manufacturing building has garnered national recognition for The Ruby Group, the Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company that updated the half-million-square-foot space.

The project was honored by the NAHB Commercial Builders Council, which sponsors the annual Awards of Excellence for light commercial projects on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders, with an Honorable Mention for its entry. The Awards of Excellence recognize achievements in design, market appeal, aesthetics, challenges faced during building and overall success of commercial projects that are either built or renovated and range in size from less than 5,000 to more than 100,000 square feet.

“The Ruby Group is truly honored to receive this national award,” said Peter Berman, president of The Ruby Group. “We are proud of the work we do on behalf of all of our clients. This project was very satisfying because of the extensive scope of the work and short timeframe of completion.”

The Ruby Group worked with President Container Group, a leading manufacturer of cardboard boxes and displays, to completely retool the 527,400-square-foot former Wakefern distribution facility in the Town of Wallkill. This unique industrial facility now houses President Container Group’s new offices, a state-of-the-art corrugator imported from Italy, multiple machines that turn corrugated sheets into finished products, new rooms where the printing templates and dyes are made, complete maintenance shop, in-house wastewater treatment facility, dust collection system, starch silo, caustic containment area and renovated office spaces. All of the new electrical fixtures meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority standards and are the latest technology in energy efficiency. The project employed many local vendors who worked closely with international vendors under the supervision of The Ruby Group.

“The Ruby Group should be commended for its successful renovation of this large space,” said Gene Graf III, 2011 chair of the Commercial Builders Council and owner of Gallatin Center LP in Bozeman, Mont. “The project was completed on time despite a very limited timeline, allowing its manufacturing company client to keep up production without interruption.”

The overhaul included replacing all of the lighting with high efficiency fluorescent lights and adding occupancy sensors to the offices. The Ruby Group also changed all the thermostats to seven-day programmable thermostats and installed low-flow, motion-activated plumbing fixtures.

Interior construction included excavating, surveying and re-pouring 2,500 yards of concrete based on the needs of the equipment that would occupy the space. Extensive drywall repair and new acoustical ceilings created a better working environment. Outside, The Ruby Group added a 40-by-40-foot concrete ramp, a silo and a trestle to bring the silo contents into the building.

ABOUT THE RUBY GROUP

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800. Follow The Ruby Group on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/The_Ruby_Group and search for us on Facebook.

ABOUT NCBC

The NAHB Commercial Builders Council addresses regulatory and legislative issues and provides educational and information services to NAHB members who are light commercial builders and remodelers. For more information on commercial building trends, techniques, issues, and best business practices, visit www.nahb.org/commercialmagazine.

ABOUT NAHB

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 160,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/NAHBMedia.

Photo: The Ruby Group worked with President Container Group, a leading manufacturer of cardboard boxes and displays, to completely retool the 527,400-square-foot former Wakefern distribution facility in the Town of Wallkill.

Industry leader shares knowledge with state Realtors in Albany and Syracuse this week

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Dec. 14, 2011) – This week, The Ruby Group’s Peter Berman is conducting two trainings in upstate New York on Basic Energy Efficiency and ENERGY STAR®, two areas critical to today’s real estate market.

Berman, who is the CEO of The Ruby Group in Goshen, N.Y., will work with real estate professionals in Syracuse and Albany, covering the technical and practical aspects of energy efficiency for new and existing homes. He has been chosen to lead the course due to his extensive background in the construction, development and inspection industries.

“I am very pleased to be teaching these courses with some of the state’s top real estate professionals,” said Berman, who is a Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Green Professional. “This is an opportunity to share my knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, to the benefit of the real estate industry as a whole.”

Berman is a third-generation project manager and builder, and has organized and supervised projects that range from single- and multi-family homes to large commercial developments throughout the New York City area. He has written a number of articles on industry-related subjects and conducts seminars across the region on a regular basis. Berman is also the founder of Inspect Your Home, Inc., which provides inspection services for individuals, investors and large real estate organizations.

His courses will focus on the link between Realtors and energy-efficient housing, including programs like LEED, National Green Building Standard and ENERGY STAR®. Berman will also cover New York state programs like Home Performance and New Homes, as well as the MLS Energy Project and the challenges and opportunities of financing energy-efficient housing.

“Real estate professionals play an important role in New York when it comes to energy-efficient properties,” said Berman. “This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate on these programs and find common ground between our industries.”

Berman will speak today, Dec. 14, to the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Central New York and on Thursday, Dec. 15, to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. Both events are sold out.

ABOUT THE RUBY GROUP

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800. Follow The Ruby Group on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/The_Ruby_Group and search for us on Facebook.

Company announces plans for second Vista Woods development

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2011) – The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y-based development, consulting and construction-management company, broke ground today on Vista Woods at Blooming Grove, a 17-lot development in the Town of Blooming Grove. The Ruby Group also announced a second development, Vista Woods at Shawangunk, a 20-lot development in the Town of Shawangunk. Sales and construction will be simultaneous at both locations.

Both developments will have two-story Colonial homes featuring the high-quality craftsmanship The Ruby Group is known for throughout the Hudson Valley. The homes will be reasonably priced and sit on large, treed lots.

“The Ruby Group is very pleased to have the opportunity to offer these homes in two scenic locations in the Hudson Valley,” said Peter Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group. “They will meet The Ruby Group’s excellent quality requirements and our high energy efficiency standards, so they will be affordable to maintain.”

In Orange County, lots range from 2 to 3 acres, with a select few even larger at Vista Woods at Blooming Grove. Vista Woods at Shawangunk in Ulster County features 1-2 acre lots as well as a limited number of larger parcels.

The homes will include 9-foot ceilings on the first floor, pre-finished oak flooring in the kitchen, dinette and dining room, and ceramic tile in all bathrooms, the mudroom, the powder room and the laundry room. New homeowners will also have a choice of carpeting for the second floor. The kitchens will have raised-panel wood maple cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms will feature designer-wood vanities with cultured marble tops and the master bathrooms will include 6-foot by 42-inch Whirlpool tubs and glass shower doors.

The Ruby Group, which has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum and National Association of Home Builders Emerald certifications for energy efficiency, will construct the homes using highly efficient materials and methods. For example, the company will install high-efficiency insulation, R-38 in the attic floors, R-21 in exterior walls, basement and garage ceiling, and R-11 wrapping the basement stairwell. Energy modeling will be performed on all homes to determine insulation levels. The Ruby Group will use tankless water heaters that provide a limitless supply of hot water on-demand, a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional hot water heaters.

The homes will have poured concrete foundations with waterproofing that includes a lifetime warranty.

Two home models – The Aspen and The Bayberry – will be sold at both developments. The Aspen will sell for $339,000 in Shawangunk and $379,000 in Blooming Grove. The Bayberry will sell for $379,000 in Shawangunk and $409,000 in Blooming Grove.

The Aspen has 2,281 square feet of living space; a two-story foyer; a kitchen with dinette; four bedrooms, including a master with a luxury bathroom and a walk-in closet; three bathrooms; a family room; a dining room; a den/office; a first-floor laundry room; a loft area; a two-car garage plus storage area; a covered front porch; a full unfinished basement; and a rear deck.

The Bayberry has 2,444 square feet of living space; a kitchen with breakfast area; a great room; three bedrooms, including a master with a luxury bathroom that includes a garden tub and separate shower, and two walk-in closets; 2.5 bathrooms; a dining room; a first-floor laundry room and storage area; a bonus room; a two-car garage plus storage area; a covered front porch; a full unfinished basement; and a rear deck.

For more information about the project, visit www.VistaWoodsNY.com.

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Catering hall rebuilt; expansion underway at wine-making facility

GOSHEN, N.Y. (Oct. 3, 2011) – The Ruby Group has finished the first phase of a two-phase project at America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood Winery, based in Washingtonville since 1839.

The company completed construction on the conversion of a storage barn into a nearly 6,000-square-foot catering hall. The hall, which dates back to 1893, was used for storage after a fire destroyed its roof in 1999. Before that, the Grand Monarque Hall was used as a catering hall.

The Ruby Group’s Design-Build team handled all details of the project from inception through permitting and design to construction and finishing with its own architects and engineers.

“With our Design-Build team, the clients choose their amount of involvement,” said Peter Berman, president of The Ruby Group. “Some attend every meeting, while others simply lay out their vision and review the progress at various milestones. In Design-Build, it is a matter of involving the client from the beginning so they have the benefit of weighing costs and choosing options.”

The company removed the original wood beams in the first 30 feet of the 100-foot-long structure to create a grand entry way and interior space. Steel I-beams were installed to support the original stone walls, keeping them in place. The Ruby Group leveled the flooring throughout and installed six-inch wide manufactured flooring in the hall and Chilean slate in the bathrooms. The Ruby Group also installed an HVAC system, bead-board ceiling, sprinklers and a fire-alarm system. The company installed 10 12-foot oval chandeliers imported from Chile.

Now, a second phase begins as The Ruby Group starts a teardown of Brotherhood Winery’s existing 5,430-square-foot warehouse – an old pole barn – that has 16 barrels that hold between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons of wine in each. The kegs with the fermenting wine will remain in place as The Ruby Group expands the existing concrete pad and constructs the new 13,050-square-foot building around them. Construction will involve the installation of a new structural foundation and metal building. In addition, the existing offices and manufacturing area will be upgraded with a fire suppression and fire alarm system. The Ruby Group is not only building this project for the client but also handled the entire Municipal Approval Process and Environmental Review, allowing the client to focus on running their business.

The Ruby Group will relocate two 26,000-gallon exterior barrels on the property to make room for the expansion of the warehouse. Project Manager Ramon Gonzalez said “These tanks are very large and quite expensive but careful planning is going into their relocation and we are excited to be part of Brotherhood’s growth.”

“The Ruby Group works hard to surpass the needs of every client,” Berman said. “Here, Brotherhood wanted a company that could create something grand out of an old storage facility, while planning and building a manufacturing facility at the other end of the site. What it found in our team was a group of Architects, Engineers, and Builders that were experienced enough to plan ahead and work sensitively around, and ultimately to move the large wine tanks without damaging them. Our Design-Build customers like Brotherhood find a quicker turnaround, reduced costs and diminished project risks. We were very happy to partner with Brotherhood Winery on this extensive Design-Build project.”

GOSHEN, N.Y. (June 24, 2011) – The Ruby Group (TRG), a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, cut the ribbon on its newly reconstructed offices on Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Howie and Pete Berman, the owners, did the cutting honors with the help of James O’Donnell, Deputy County Executive, Orange County; Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature; and Daniel Rea O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Membership Development and Services, Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

More than 80 clients, vendors and family members toured the building to see the variety of residential and office space details and quality craftsmanship that the company provides to its clients.

“What we saw today is that The Ruby Group has many, many friends,” said Pete Berman. “We are thankful for everyone who came to our building’s grand opening. The Ruby Group’s ability to grow and expand during the past year while rebuilding our own home is a testimonial to the fine team we have here at The Ruby Group.”

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Photo: James O’Donnell, Deputy County Executive, Orange County; Jonathan Rouis, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature; Howie Berman, principal, The Ruby Group; Pete Berman, President and CEO, The Ruby Group; and Daniel Rea O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Membership Development and Services, Orange County Chamber of Commerce, share in the celebration of cutting the ribbon on The Ruby Group’s newly constructed offices.

Goshen company an environmental leader in construction

Goshen, N.Y. (April 20, 2011) – New student housing at Sullivan County Community College (SCCC), built by The Ruby Group (TRG), a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, has received LEED for Homes Gold certification.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is internationally recognized for green building and design technology. The Gold level is the second highest tier. Platinum is the highest achievement.

The Gold LEED certification is the highest achievement yet for the project, named EcoGreen Community Housing, which has already received Gold certification in the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Standard.

An independent review proved the building to be extremely energy efficient. The inspector determined that the three units have very favorable Home Energy Ratings (HER) of 48, 49 and 48 (the middle unit tested a bit higher for air infiltration). This compares to an HER of 100 for buildings that meet state building codes and an HER of 85 required to receive Energy Star certification. (The lower the HER score, the more energy efficient the building.)

“To achieve LEED Gold certification on this project is a significant achievement for our company,” said Howie Berman, the Ruby Group principal who supervised the SCCC project. “Building at this extremely high level of efficiency was our goal for this building.”

The Ruby Group has been a pioneer in building environmentally friendly housing and is one of the few construction companies in the nation that has built a home that received the top-level, Platinum LEED rating for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

“Having now achieved building both a LEED Platinum-level home and a LEED Gold-level student housing facility speaks to the variety of extremely efficient projects that The Ruby Group can do,” said Pete Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group. “These buildings will be extremely energy efficient, save money and have little carbon footprint forever.”

Some of the energy efficient enhancements were basement walls, foundation bays and first-floor rim joists sprayed with closed cell foam insulation; downsized Triangle Tube boilers; and 6 inches of blown fiberglass (R21) over the factory installed batt insulation (R41). The building has 43 percent less carbon dioxide emissions, 51 percent less energy consumption and 61 percent less indoor water use than if the building was simply built at code.

The new townhouses on the SCCC campus in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y., resemble traditional New England homes, with porches, pitched roofs and exterior walls with clapboard siding and shingles. The residences have living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and a total of 24 bedrooms, three of which are handicapped accessible. The townhouses were built in 18 modules by Linthicum, Md.-based Haven Custom Homes at a factory in Pennsylvania and were installed in only three days during June 2010. The modules were positioned atop a Superior Walls pre-cast, insulated concrete foundation system.

The building cost about $1.5 million to design and build. The Ruby Group worked with Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corporation to enter into a cutting edge public-private partnership that involved TRG leasing the land on campus and being responsible for everything from municipal approvals, financing and construction to long-term management of the housing facility. The Ruby Group has contracted with Longley Jones Management to handle the property management. The public-private partnership meant SCCC’s new housing was built at no cost to the college.

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Cited for construction company’s recent growth and ability to build a motivated team

Goshen, N.Y. (March 25, 2011) – Pete Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, has been included on ENR New York magazine’s prestigious “Top 20 Under 40” list, an annual feature on up-and-coming figures in the construction industry.

ENR New York covers the greater tri-state area construction sector and is one of the industry’s leading trade publications.

“These talented individuals started new divisions, found new markets and displayed leadership, diligence and integrity,” the magazine says in the Top 20 Under 40 feature in the Feb. 7 issue. “Look for them to play an important role in shaping the industry’s future.”

ENR New York (previously called New York Construction News) noted that Berman’s family-owned company tripled its revenues during 2010 from the previous year, in part because of successful partnerships with banks that owned distressed properties.

Berman said he was excited to be among this year’s honorees.

“I grew up with ENR and other magazines around the house because my father was a builder,” Berman said. “I always respected the people featured in the magazines, so to become one of them is a great honor.”

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Will complete construction, resume sales; some units may be offered as rentals

Goshen, N.Y. (March 7, 2011) – The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, has been brought in to complete work at the Ellen Ridge Townhouses, a partially finished development that the previous developer forfeited to its lender in Ellenville, N.Y.

Construction has resumed after a two-year suspension. The Ruby Group purchased the property and will complete the final 16 of the 80 planned residences, according to company Principal Pete Berman. Some units are being completed for immediate occupancy and others will be finished in the future. The Ruby Group is studying its options for how to best complete the project, including a possible mix of sales and rentals.

Berman said he looks forward to successfully completing the project and bringing some peace of mind to residents of Ellen Ridge Townhouses and their neighbors, who have waited years for work to resume.

“The people who live in Ellen Ridge Townhouses have faced uncertainty about their future for a couple of years now, and it will be nice to finally wrap things up and give them the beautiful neighborhood and peace of mind that they deserve,” Berman said. “We’re not just completing a project here; we’re improving people’s quality of life. It’s also an important step forward in Ellenville’s redevelopment effort.”

Reviving the Ellen Ridge Townhouses started with an exhaustive inspection, budgeting and a market review. Then negotiations with Walden Federal Savings & Loan to purchase the property and arrange the financing needed to resume construction. The review was a two-way street. The Ruby Group performed due diligence on the project and the bank carefully vetted The Ruby Group to ensure that the company had the skills and experience required before agreeing to the transfer.

“Identifying a buyer who had the skills to reliably complete the project in a timely manner was a key consideration when Walden Federal Savings & Loan was seeking someone to complete Ellen Ridge Townhouses,” said L. Bruce Lott, Chief Lending Officer, Walden Federal Savings & Loan. “We want to get this wrapped up quickly, and Pete’s team had the background and scale needed to do it.”

About The Ruby Group’s services for distressed properties

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. The Ruby Group is one of a very small number of companies in the region with the ability, backing and commitment to take over large uncompleted apartment buildings, condos or similar projects and bring them to completion. Banks report that the number of such failed, half-finished projects increased markedly in recent years with the decline in the real estate market. The Ruby Group, because of its deep knowledge of construction practices and the Capital markets, is well-positioned to ensure banks a fair return while bringing a given project to fruition. For more information about these or other services, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Tells continuing education class downturn creates opportunity for investors

Goshen, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2011) – The downturn in the real estate market has created opportunities for savvy investors, Pete Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, recently told an Orange County Association of Realtors continuing education class.

High-quality properties are selling for much less than they were a few years ago, providing an opportunity for investors and owner-managers to add to their portfolios at favorable prices, Berman said. Prices seem to be bottoming out and the national economy is showing signs of shaking off the lingering recession, so Berman said it could be a good time to buy if you can find the right property at the right price.

The comments were part of a three-hour class giving real estate brokers and agents an overview of the role investor’s play in the commercial and residential markets. The informative seminar included an in-depth discussion of recent trends and the many options available for investment within the real estate sector.

For Berman, a third-generation builder and developer, it was the latest in a series of presentations to gatherings of Realtors, contractors, developers and other real estate professionals.

An NAHB Certified Graduate Builder and pioneer in project management and green construction, Berman has been certified to lead National Association of Home Builders and National Association of Realtors. He is also a Faculty Member of the NAHB University of Housing, where he teaches courses related to business management.

He has spoken to groups throughout the country, including national conferences and professional-certification classes, discussing topics such as management, construction technologies and regulatory changes. Berman is a published author who is often quoted on wide ranging topics related to real estate and construction.

“Speaking at conferences is rewarding because I am constantly learning from the audience,” Berman said. “No matter how well you know a topic, there’s always someone out there who has had a unique experience, or who has a new insight. The give-and-take between the attendees and the presenter – as well as between attendees – is an exciting part of most continuing education programs.”

For more information about Berman, his lectures or The Ruby Group, visit www.rubygrp.com.

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Renovation project includes redesigned interior, atrium lobby, modernized lighting

Dec. 8, 2010 - Goshen, N.Y. – The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, recently started work modernizing a large catering hall in Lodi, N.J., the company’s third catering hall project in the last three years.

“The Ruby Group has experience designing and building catering halls, restaurants, community centers and other facilities that deal with food-service, which is a unique niche in construction,” said Howie Berman, the Ruby Group principal guiding the Lodi project.

“Food-service establishments are challenging because you have to accommodate the need for equipment, water, drains, gas and electricity, all while providing a work place that is safe and easy to keep clean and hygienic, all while ensuring a positive guest experience.” Berman said. “This requires careful planning during the design process followed by construction with great attention to detail. Planning and executing precisely is important, otherwise you run the risk of leaks, equipment not fitting or safety problems.”

In Lodi, The Ruby Group is serving as construction manager and general contractor for a project that will modernize the interior and exterior of the former Princess Chateau catering hall, which will reopen early next year as The Elan. The 15,000-square-foot facility was built approximately 50 years ago and had become rundown and outdated before a new owner purchased it earlier this year with plans to completely renovate the interior and spruce up the exterior. The Ruby Group was brought in by the owner prior to the purchase to help assess the condition of the building and plan the eventual renovation.

“When the catering hall reopens, people who had been there in the past won’t be able to recognize it,” Berman said. “The interior will be completely renovated and the exterior will receive new roofing, landscaping and signage. There also will be improvements to the parking and traffic flow.”

The Elan is the latest food-service project for The Ruby Group. Earlier this year the company started a two-phase Design/Build expansion at Brotherhood Winery, a historic vineyard in Washingtonville, N.Y. The Ruby Group is expanding the winery’s existing production facility and building a new catering hall, all while enabling Brotherhood’s existing business to proceed without interruption.

The Ruby Group also has experience incorporating catering facilities in not-for-profit buildings, having guided the construction of the Monroe-Woodbury Jewish Community Center in Monroe, N.Y. In addition to a sanctuary and classrooms, this 20,000-square-foot facility includes a large Kosher kitchen and catering hall that is used for weddings, family events and private parties.

The changes in Lodi will be visible as soon as people enter the building, Berman said, with the transformation of the existing one-story entry into a dramatic, two-story atrium with the bridal and groom suites overlooking the new space. The ballrooms will be completely renovated, receiving new wall coverings, new flooring (a mix of carpeting and hardwood dance floors) and contemporary lighting fixtures such as wall sconces. (In a nod to the past, the Grand Ballroom’s ornate chandelier will be retained.)

The renovations also will improve access for disabled people, providing easy entry to all of the public spaces for the first time. Hidden out of sight will be upgrades to the electrical system.

“It essentially will be a brand-new facility that is more attractive and energy efficient,” said Berman, whose company handles a wide variety of residential and commercial construction such as a corrugated paper factory, housing subdivisions and office and retail buildings.

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

Construction company quickly rebounds from February fire that destroyed its offices

Nov. 19, 2010 – Goshen, N.Y. – The Ruby Group, a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction-management company, recently started work on a new headquarters that replaces offices gutted by a fire during February. The new building is expected to be completed early next year.

“The fire made for a challenging spring and summer working at home and in temporary trailers, but we were able to complete planning and start construction on the new building about eight months after the fire, which is a quick turnaround for a project like this,” said Pete Berman, a principal in the family-owned company.

“A combination of off-site data backups and help from our vendors turned what could have been a disaster into a non-event,” Berman said. “We were open in a temporary space the first business day after the fire, which is remarkable. Work on all of our projects continued without interruption, and our clients probably wouldn’t have known about the fire unless they read about it in the newspaper. The fire might have put some companies out of business, but we survived and came out stronger than ever because we were prepared to recover our data and records.”

The 4,200-square-foot building along Route 17A will be a handsome, two-story structure designed to reflect the pre-war homes, barns and farmhouses in the Goshen area. It features a combination of architectural shingled, pitched roofing and flat rubber roofing, along with metal roofing used on accent roofs; clapboard siding and covered entrances. The Ruby Group will occupy the upper level, which has five personal offices, two bathrooms, a conference room, storage and server rooms, a kitchen and a building-products showroom.

The lower level, with doors and parking facing Route 17A, can accommodate up to four businesses. One space has been pre-leased and 1,400 square feet of additional retail-office space is available for lease.

The Ruby Group is a pioneer in Green Construction, and the company put this experience to use in its new headquarters. Green features include waterless urinals; high-efficiency, spray-foam insulation; an insulated attic and heat-recovery ventilators on mechanical equipment. Berman said the building’s architect, Bill Pendergast of Central Valley, N.Y.-based Pendergast & Terach, helped design the building to meet The Ruby Group’s needs within the existing building footprint.

“The architects and engineers did an outstanding job working within the budget and developing space that fit our style of work,” Berman said. “They helped us include some of the newest developments in construction and energy efficiency, which will make our building a showcase demonstrating to clients how Green Building works.”

The Ruby Group’s planning and construction experience helped to keep the company moving towards rebuilding.

“One thing that helped us rebound from the fire so quickly was the fact that we knew which architects we wanted to work with and how we wanted them to design the new building,” Berman said. “Our understanding of the zoning code helped us start drafting plans shortly after the fire and begin working with the Planning Board to secure the permits we needed to start construction.”

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

About Pendergast & Terach

Pendergast & Terach is an Orange and Rockland County-based architectural firm that has extensive experience designing a wide variety of projects. P&T’s team is familiar with all types of construction projects and has experience with the requirements for the design and development of projects for public and private bidding. Pendergast & Terach’s team concept provides highly skilled professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to a project and, when combined, can respond to all phases of work in a timely and efficient manner. P&T’s team has a complete understanding of related projects, fast-track schedules and familiarity with the needs of the client for providing documentation for the successful completion of work. The firm has a reputation for delivering projects on time and on budget. For more information about Pendergast & Terach visit http://ptarchitectural.com.

Residences for up to 48 students meet Green Construction guidelines

Sept. 1, 2010 – Goshen, N.Y. – The Ruby Group (TRG), a Goshen, N.Y.-based development, consulting and construction management company, met a demanding fast-track construction schedule for new student housing at Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) in New York, and the first residents moved in during late August.

“We only had two or three months to complete the building and be prepared for students arriving, which was an aggressive schedule,” said Howie Berman, the Ruby Group principal who supervised the SCCC project.

“The construction absolutely couldn’t run late because we needed to be ready for students at the start of the school year, so we had to be creative,” Berman said. “To save time, we used factory-built, modular components that cut weeks off the construction schedule. Everything went smoothly, and when the first residents visited the building during the opening ceremony they all said they were very excited and look forward to living there. They’re spacious, comfortable homes that promote a much different style of living from the traditional college dorm. The residential-style configuration instills a sense of community and family among the residents and encourages them to take on responsibilities that are otherwise missing from institutional housing facilities.”

Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corp.’s new building is at the forefront of the new generation of student housing that is built recognizing the specific needs of the students and with a high degree of sustainability. Today’s students recognize the benefit of structures that are built using environmentally friendly practices and are overall healthier places to live. The new residences have living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and a total of 24 bedrooms, three of which are handicapped accessible.

The new townhouses resemble traditional New England homes, with porches, pitched roofs and exterior walls with clapboard siding and shingles. The building cost about $1.5 million to design and build. The Ruby Group worked with Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corporation to enter into a cutting edge Public Private Partnership that involved TRG leasing the land on campus and being responsible for everything from municipal approvals, financing and construction to long-term management of the housing facility. The Ruby Group has contracted with Longley Jones Management to handle the property management.

The public-private partnership meant SCCC’s new housing was built at no cost to the college – an approach that can help other colleges add housing during a time of tight budgets.

“Colleges across the nation are adding housing or modernizing existing dorms,” Pete Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group said. “The Ruby Group has decades of real estate development and construction-management experience that colleges and universities can benefit from, so we are actively seeking opportunities to develop student housing that is completed on time.”

The EcoGreen Community Housing meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Energy Star and National Green Building Standards, and is targeting Gold level certifications in both programs. The Ruby Group has been a pioneer in building environmentally friendly housing and is one of the few construction companies in the nation that has built a home that received the top-level, Platinum LEED rating for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

An independent review proved the building to be extremely energy efficient. The inspector determined that the three units have very favorable Home Energy Ratings (HER) of 48, 48 and 49. This compares to an HER of 100 for buildings that meet state building codes and an HER of 85 required to receive Energy Star certification. (The lower the HER score, the more energy efficient the building.)

“These strong HER ratings prove how sensitive design and the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment such as tankless water heaters can result in tremendous long-term savings,” Pete Berman said. “A building like this might have slightly higher up-front costs, but over time that initial investment is recouped many times over through lower long-term energy costs.”

The modules were built by Haven Custom Homes at a factory in Pennsylvania and were installed in only three days during June. A total of 18 modules are positioned atop a Superior Walls pre-cast, insulated concrete foundation system.

“SCCC’s new building will be very energy efficient for decades to come,” Howie Berman said. “It clearly demonstrates that it is possible to erect a ‘green’ building without causing delays or inflating costs. All it takes is good planning.”

About The Ruby Group

The Ruby Group, based in Goshen, N.Y., is a development, project management, general contracting and consulting firm serving the residential and commercial sectors. Ruby Homes is dedicated to building feature-rich, high-quality homes with personalized service. Ruby Homes is among the small percentage of homebuilders to receive top-level Platinum LEED certification for a single-family home. Ruby Consulting provides expert speakers and full-service management consultation with a focus on construction operations, marketing and business development. Ruby Construction Services serves professional investors, financial institutions and land owners developing commercial, mixed use, or large scale residential projects. The Ruby Group also manages modular-construction projects, provides student-housing expertise and purchases, renovates and resells foreclosed properties. For more information, visit www.rubygrp.com or call (845) 651-3800.

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BAHV’s Pinnacle Awards honor best projects in the Hudson Valley

May 3, 2010 – Goshen, N.Y. – The Ruby Group, a development, consulting and construction-management company based in Goshen, N.Y., received awards for Best Green Home and Best Commercial Renovation of the Year in the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley’s 2010 Pinnacle Awards.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have our peers in the construction industry name two of our projects best-in-class in the Pinnacle Awards,” said Pete Berman, The Ruby Group’s CEO. “This is a very prestigious awards program that attracts entries from seven counties and recognizes only the top work in the industry.”

The Best Green Home award was given to a new home in Youngsville, N.Y., that received LEED® Platinum certification for energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive planning and construction. (Platinum is the highest level of certification available in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Some of our goals during construction include minimal site disturbance, installing a resource-efficient landscape and installing high-efficiency irrigation systems to conserve water and incorporate the use of recycled materials,” said Howie Berman, who supervised the building’s planning and construction.

The Ruby Group is committed to true sustainable and green building by taking a comprehensive approach to project planning and methodical site supervision. Platinum LEED certification was obtained through top notch project management and integrated environmentally sensitive and sustainable construction materials, low-flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star-approved appliances and a tankless hot water heater that consumes much less electricity than conventional water heaters. The house even has solar panels capable of producing 5-kw of electricity.

The home’s landscaping features drought-resistant grass and native plants. Rainwater is collected from the home’s roof and stored in a 1,700-gallon underground tank, reducing – and possibly eliminating – the need to use well water to keep the grounds green.

The Ruby Group received the Best Commercial Renovation of the Year award for its rehabilitation of the Spring Valley Animal Hospital in Monsey, N.Y. This project nearly tripled the size of the animal hospital and required The Ruby Group to coordinate planning by the veterinarians, the architect and numerous vendors – all on a tight budget. The project included building treatment rooms, a pharmacy, a surgery room, an endoscopy room, an isolation room, exam rooms, kennels, offices, restrooms and a modern waiting area. The expansion also includes an apartment located on the second floor that will house interns.

"The Spring Valley Animal Hospital was a demanding assignment because the clinic had to remain open during construction," said Ramon Gonzalez, who managed the project for The Ruby Group. “A team approach between the owners, architect and contractors made it a success.”

This was the second year in a row The Ruby Group received the Best Commercial Renovation Pinnacle Award. The company also received a 2007 Pinnacle Award for Best New Commercial Project. The company also has received awards from the National Association of Home Builders.

Residential, commercial buildings eligible to participate in program; The Ruby Group co-sponsors event in Montgomery at 6 p.m. on May 12

April, 2010 – Goshen, N.Y. – The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which helps individuals and businesses invest in clean energy and energy-efficiency improvements, will be the topic of a three-hour seminar on May 12 in Montgomery, N.Y.

PACE programs eliminate the upfront cost for energy improvements by providing loans that are repaid over the next 15 to 20 years through an increase in property taxes. PACE bonds can be issued by municipal financing districts or finance companies. Commercial and residential properties are eligible to participate.

The seminar will take place at 6 p.m. in the Graham Skea Lodge at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 217 Route 416 in Montgomery. Admission, which includes a light dinner, is $20. To register, call (845) 469-9459 or visit www.occitizensfoundation.org.

The seminar was organized by the Orange County Citizens Foundation and is sponsored by The Ruby Group, a construction company based in Goshen, N.Y., with a pioneering Green Construction division; the Orange County Municipal Planning Association and M&T Bank.

Residences for up to 48 students will be built using Green and Sustainable techniques; Local planning review takes only 90 days; Students to move in during August

March 24, 2010 – Goshen, N.Y. – The Ruby Group, a development, construction management and consulting company based in Goshen, N.Y., today announced that it will build modern, townhouse-style student residences in a public-private venture at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y.

The EcoGreen Community Housing will meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Energy Star and National Green Building Standards for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity. The residences will house up to 48 students and will be ready for occupancy during August – in time for the 2010-2011 academic year.

“Student housing is tremendously underserved across the nation in terms of quality and quantity,” said Ruby Group CEO Pete Berman. “The need for student housing presents a great opportunity for The Ruby Group to form partnerships with public and private colleges and universities wishing to expand and improve their student housing. We’ve been residential and commercial builders for decades and have the skills needed to design, finance and build new residences for students.”

Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corp.’s new housing is not your father’s dormitory with little more than Spartan bedrooms. Instead, the new residences will be located in three side-by-side townhouses with living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and a total of 24 bedrooms, three of which will be handicapped accessible. The new building will help address fast-growing demand for on-campus housing at the 1,600-student college where attendance has been soaring in recent years and the existing dormitory is fully occupied.

The new townhouses will resemble traditional New England homes, with porches, pitched roofs and exterior walls with clapboard siding and shingles. Storage space is available in the basement. The building is expected to cost about $1.5 million to design and build. The Ruby Group is responsible for arranging financing and will lease the land required from the Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corp.

The municipal planning and approval process only took 90 days – an extremely quick approval for a project in New York State. Berman credited the fast approvals to outreach and research that was done before starting to draft plans or approach local officials.

“We met with many of the stakeholders – local officials, planning officials, college administrators and others – early on to learn what their desires and concerns are,” Berman said. “This let us immediately answer their questions and address their concerns, which made the proposal quickly move through the approval process. We’re on a tight schedule and the public officials did everything they could to keep the project on track and on time.”

The residences will be constructed using modular-building techniques where most of the fabrication is done in a factory and the modules are assembled at the site. Modular construction usually is much faster than doing the work on site. A total of 18 modules will be positioned atop a Superior Walls pre-cast, insulated concrete foundation system.

The Ruby Group has been a pioneer in building environmentally friendly housing and is one of the few construction companies in the nation that has built a home that received the top-level, Platinum LEED rating for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity

“Sullivan Community College is known for its green-building and renewable-energy courses, so we felt it was fitting to have the new housing meet environmental-efficiency standards,” Berman said. “The new residences have been designed to show that almost any type of building can be built “Green” if you make a commitment and put your mind to it. It isn’t limited to high-end homes and shouldn’t be a budget buster. You can make almost any building more energy efficient and sustainable – even a college residence.”

The U.S. Green Building Council states: “Based on their Home Energy Rating System (HERS) scores, the average home certified under LEED for Homes since its launch in February 2008 is predicted to use an estimated 30 percent to 60 percent less energy than a comparable home built to International Energy Conservation Code.” More than 5,000 homes have received LEED for Homes certification, the USGBC says, and nearly 21,000 are registered for certification.