Ryland relies on the experience of local consultants and engineers to help shape what Gant terms "intelligently designed" homes. Energy-saving layouts, energy-wise building materials for windows, ceiling and wall insulation packages and internal operating systems work in concert to improve the energy efficiency of Ryland Homes' communities, she said.

"As energy and water conservation programs gain sophistication and continue to grow in popularity, we'll continue to participate. Buyers appreciate the financial benefits that our Energy Star homes offer and our community can reap the environmental rewards," Gant said.

All 13 Ryland Homes Las Vegas communities are Energy Star-rated. These include Auburn, Bradford, Augusta, Belford, Ellingwood, Cameron, Crestone, Indigo, Kingwood Knoll, Montage, Travata, Kardelo and Laredo at Davyn Ridge.

Ryland 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 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 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. Since its origins, the program has been expanded to include more than 40 product categories that conserve energy and protect the environment.