Builders ENERGY STAR

To become an ENERGY STAR qualified builder, a builder must build a home that meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These homes must be at least 15% more energy efficient than existing homes. homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and contain additional efficiency-saving features that typically make new homes 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes.

The ENERGY STAR label identifies a home that has exceeded all efficiency guidelines. Builders realize that homebuyers are increasingly interested in the value of green homes and efficiency is the starting point. This is because the energy used to run the house often comes from the burning of fossil fuels from power plants. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to smog, acid rain and the risks of global warming. That’s why it’s so important to use less energy, which equals less air pollution. With these benefits, many homebuilders choose to partner with ENERGY STAR. The best way to ensure a home is efficient is to look for the blue ES label, which is the government-endorsed symbol of efficiency.

Any home that meets EPA guidelines and is three stories or less can earn the ES label, including: single-family homes, townhouses, low-rise manufactured and multi-family homes, modular construction, frame homes, and concrete homes. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes may contain a variety of ‘tried and true’ energy efficient features that have improved home quality, homeowner comfort and lower energy demand while reducing air pollution.

Many home builders are realizing the benefits of building ES homes. For example, DR Horton needed an edge to succeed in this challenging market. DR Horton accomplished this by partnering with ENERGY STAR. They realized that they had to build the most efficient homes in the area to gain an advantage over the competition. This strategy not only made DR Horton successful, it also benefited homeowners by providing efficient homes that save them money on their monthly energy bill. New homes from DR Horton now have a 100 percent ENERGY STAR qualified accessory package!

Many ES homebuilders have been recognized for their energy efficient construction processes. Aston Woods Homes earned the 2009 ENERGY STAR Housing Leadership Award and has been recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This award recognizes the significant contribution Ashton Woods Homes has made to energy efficient construction and protecting the environment by building more than 1,202 ENERGY STAR qualified homes last year. These 1,202 new homes will save homeowners about $537,294 on utility bills each year!

Another recipient of the Housing Leadership Award is SummerHill Homes. SummerHill Homes is committed to building energy efficient homes. With ENERGY STAR qualified new homes for sale that offer new buyers all the features they want in a home, as well as the benefits of a green home. In addition, energy-saving features come standard with SummerHill Homes, such as energy efficient insulation systems, energy efficient windows, tight construction and ductwork, properly sized and installed heating and cooling systems, energy performance verification by of third parties and low consumption products. Plus, not to mention those appliances qualify for an energy tax credit!

ES builders are realizing the value of adding energy efficient products inside the new home. New Pulte Homes communities now include ES appliances as standard in every new home for sale. According to the Department of Energy, all Energy Star appliances use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models when certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Appliances and lighting account for more than a third of the average homeowner’s utility bill according to the DOE. Therefore, including low consumption appliances can translate into considerable savings. In Las Vegas, Pulte’s new homes for sale are LEED certified, built under the Environments for Living® – Green Certified program, and equipped with solar panel roofs.

Many home builders make sure they have an ES rating with the cost of energy on the rise, but one builder has been building green homes before it was cool. With over a decade of building green new homes for sale and energy efficient new homes, Pardee Homes has been a leader in green home building with over 24 LivingSmart and 14 California Green Builder certified new communities (not forgetting why California is one of the best green building states.) Starting in 1998, when Pardee Homes helped start the EPA’s Energy Star® program, building energy-efficient homes that exceeded code by 15% or more. In 2009, Pardee Homes promised a 100% commitment to building “LivingSmart” homes in all future developments.