Five years ago, Centex Homes made a commitment to becoming an energy-efficient home builder. After trying another energy conservation program, Centex came to the conclusion that Energy Star, a national program created and endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency, was the best choice.
According to Andrew Foote, construction services manager for Centex Homes Las Vegas, home buyers recognize the Energy Star logo and have come to respect what it stands for.
"Consumers today understand what Energy Star means," Foote said of the EPA's national branding efforts for the program. "Energy Star is a way of identifying responsible home builders, and Centex Homes takes energy conservation seriously. It's important to us to help our home buyers manage their utility costs while doing our part for the environment at the same time."
Foote said Energy Star played a role in the purchase of his last two homes.
"In addition to being a part of the local home-building community, I am also a consumer," Foote said. "I am as concerned about saving money as any home buyer, particularly here in Las Vegas where the heat can easily drive up power bills. I wouldn't buy a home that wasn't Energy Star-rated."
Centex is building 16 neighborhood developments in the Las Vegas Valley. They include Angeline Falls at Waterfall, Isabel Falls at Waterfall, Traditions, Cantura, Berkshire Estates II, Ardiente, Giavanna Series I & II, Giavanna Series III, Encantada, StoneBrook, Horizon Park and Mesa Verde.
According to Foote, Centex builds each home to an established set of energy-conscious standards. This includes using the proper materials, including the right amount and type of insulation, energy-saving windows and efficient air-conditioning systems.
"Even our air-conditioning ducts must be thoroughly sealed to prevent cool air from leaking into the attic," Foote said. "Beyond our standard energy-oriented building practices, we use independent energy consultants to inspect the construction of our homes throughout the building process to ensure that they meet or exceed Energy Star standards."
Centex Homes also offers home buyers their choice of a variety of Energy Star appliances.
"Dishwashers, refrigerators and clothes washers come with Energy Star ratings and we encourage our home buyers to further their energy savings with these appliances," he said.
Centex 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 forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
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.
The environment is protected any time energy is conserved because utilities burn less coal, which means less air pollution.
The program has been expanded over the years to include more than 40 product categories that conserve energy and protect the environment.
They include appliances, electronics, lighting, windows, office products, homes and mortgages.
RSS