According to Jones, energy efficiency is also the driving force for Meritage Homes' Summer Trail community.

"As the high cost of energy and the health of our environment continue to be of great concern for many consumers, we are pleased to partner with the EPA to bring energy-efficient homes to southwest Las Vegas," he said.

Meritage Homes is a member of Nevada Energy Star Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation. Energy Star-rated homes meet building guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Energy Star-qualified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances.

These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, in addition to lowering energy demand and reducing air pollution.

Energy Star, the national U.S. government symbol for energy efficiency, was created by the EPA originally for energy-conserving computers in 1992 and is now jointly implemented with the U.S. Department of Energy.