"Our EnergySmart program is testament to our philosophy as a company and a further reflection of the interests of our buyers," Andrews said.

Each EnergySmart home is independently certified to assure that it exceeds energy code requirements by at least 15 percent, according to Andrews. Pardee's EnergySmart designation means that each home has been enhanced with money-saving, energy-efficient features that include spectrally selective glass and vinyl-framed windows to keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, in addition to ceiling insulation and sealed ducts for improved indoor air quality, according to Andrews.

Pardee offers 12 neighborhoods valleywide, including the EnergySmart community of Solamar in northwestern Las Vegas, which opened last month.

Solamar features one- and two-story floor plans that range from 2,491 to 3,152 square feet with as many as five bedrooms. Home sites at Solamar average 7,000 square feet. Home prices start from the high $200,000.

To visit Solamar from U.S. Highway 95 north, exit to Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway west. Exit Durango and turn right. Turn left on Deer Springs Way, right on Grand Canyon Drive, then right on Bay Ledge to the models.

A pioneer in green building, Pardee Homes was named Production Home Builder of the Year in the 2006 National Green Building Awards program. The National Association of Home Builders sponsors the competition as part of its efforts to promote environmentally responsible and resource-efficient construction methods known as green building.

Pardee previously earned the 2004 Green Project of the Year award from the National Green Building Conference, the only national conference targeted to green building for the residential building industry.

Pardee was the first regional builder to commit to building only Energy Star homes, and its LivingSmart program, which encompasses a comprehensive array of green-building standards, plus multiple, user-friendly ways for buyers to expand their choices, is offered at select Pardee neighborhoods.

Desert demonstration gardens in Pardee's LivingSmart Vista Verde and Nevada Trails communities received first place honors in 2004 and 2005, respectively in Southern Nevada Water Authority's landscaping competition.

In addition, Pardee's senior architectural manager Larry Simon served as chair of the Green Building Partnership working group for Southern Nevada Home Builders Association.

The Green Building Partnership, a joint effort of the SNHBA and the Green Building Initiative, spent more than a year researching and developing the requirements of the voluntary program to direct the efficient use of resources, materials, energy and water; and maximize the indoor environmental quality in new housing.

"Earth-friendly systems and programs in our new homes represent a very important part of our value commitment to new homebuyers," Andrews said. "Pardee is resolved to incorporate environmentally sound solutions into new-home production."

From entry level to luxury, Pardee covers the Las Vegas Valley with 12 active single-family, new-home neighborhoods. The longest-established home builder in Southern Nevada, Pardee has built neighborhoods and communities for more than 35,000 families since 1952. For additional information, call 614-1400 or visit pardeehomes.com.

All Pardee sales offices and model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.