Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Protection Agency provides tips for home safety which helps in avoiding potential risks and preventing pollution by recycling and conserving water and energy.

The Environmental Protection Agency began in Washington, D.C., on December 2, 1970. EPA was established to consolidate federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. The EPA strives to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment—air, water, and land—upon which life depends.

The EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for over 30 years which have resulted in cleaner air, purer water, and better protected land.

Energy Star Program 
In 1992 the EPA launched the Energy Star program to help businesses and individuals protect the environment and reduce energy costs through superior energy efficiency.

WaterSense
Launched in 2006 the WaterSense program is designed to encourage water efficiency through the use of a special label on consumer products. Products include high-efficiency toilets (HETs), bathroom sink faucets (and accessories), and irrigation equipment. WaterSense is a voluntary program, with EPA developing specifications for water-efficient products through a public process and product testing by independent laboratories.

Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Accent Builders and their employees have taken the necessary training courses from an EPA-approved training provider to become certified renovators. This new legislation reinforces our ongoing commitment to our "Safe Site Program" as we have always gone to great lengths to minimize the impact of the construction on our clients and their families and neighbors.

Click to download the Renovate Right pamphlet.