To be a qualified ENERGY STAR builder, builders must build homes that meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These homes must be at least 15% more energy efficient than those built in the 2004 International Residential Code [IRC] and include additional energy efficient features that typically make new homes 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.
The ENERGY STAR label identifies the home that has passed all efficiency guidelines. Builders are realizing that homebuyers are increasingly interested in the value of green homes, and efficiency is where it begins. This is because the energy used to run the house usually comes from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants. Burning fossil fuels can lead to risks of smog, acid rain and global warming. This is why it is less energy to use to reduce air pollution. With these benefits, many home builders have chosen to work with ENERGY STAR. The best way to ensure efficient homes is to look for blue ES labels, which are government-supported efficiency signs.
Any home that meets the US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and has three or fewer stories can receive ES labels, including: single-family homes, attached homes, manufacturing homes, low-rise multi-family homes, modular buildings, wooden houses, and concrete houses. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes can include a variety of "tested" new homes. Efficiency improves home quality, homeowner comfort and reduced energy demand while reducing air pollution.
Many home builders are realizing the benefits of building ES homes. For example, DR Horton needs to succeed in this challenging market. DR Horton completed a partnership with Energy Star. They realized they had to build the most efficient homes in the area to succeed in the competition. This strategy not only made DR Horton successful, but also benefited homeowners. At the same time provide them with efficient housing and save them monthly energy costs. Now DR Horton's new home has 100% ENERGY STAR qualified fixture kits!
Many ES residential builders are recognized for their energy efficient building processes. Aston Woods Homes won the 2009 ENERGY STAR Housing Leadership Award and was accredited by the US Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. The award distinguishes Ashton Woods Homes' important contribution to energy efficient buildings and environmental protection by building more than 1,202 ENERGY STAR qualified homes last year. These 1,202 new homes will save homeowners about $537,294 in annual utility bills!
Another person who won the Housing Leadership Award is SummerHill Homes. SummerHill Homes is committed to building energy efficient homes. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes for sale provide new home buyers with all the features they need at home and the benefits of a green home. In addition, SummerHill Homes offers energy-saving features such as energy-efficient insulation systems, energy-efficient windows, compact structures and piping, proper size and installation of heating and cooling systems, third-party verification of energy performance and energy-saving products. Not to mention that these appliances are eligible for an energy tax credit!
ES builders are realizing the value of adding energy-efficient products to their homes. The new Pulte Homes community now uses ES equipment as a standard for every new home for sale. According to the Department of Energy, all Energy Star appliances use 10% to 15% less energy than standard models after being certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. According to the US Department of Energy, household appliances and lighting account for more than one-third of the cost of utility for ordinary homeowners. Therefore, including energy-saving appliances can be converted into reasonable savings. In Las Vegas, Pulte's new home is LEED-certified and built under the Environments-Living®-Green certification program with a solar panel roof!
Many home builders have ensured that ES energy costs have risen, but a builder has built green homes before fashion. With more than a decade to build new green homes for sale and new energy-efficient homes, Pardee Homes has been a leader in building green homes with more than 24 LivingSmart and 14 California Green Builder certified new communities [no one, Why California is one of them] top green building countries]. Since 1998, Pardee Homes has helped pioneer the EPA's ENERGY STAR program by building energy-efficient homes that exceed 15% or more of the code. In 2009, Pardee Homes promised 100% commitment to build "LivingSmart" homes in all future developments.
Orignal From: Energy Star Builder
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