Pulte recognized in National Energy Policy

The National Energy Policy Department, established by President Bush, recently recognized Pulte Homes in its key recommendations for the National Energy Policy. The builder's Southwest Division was identified as using technical assistance from the Department of Energy's Building America program to create what one residential expert calls "the best production house in the world."

In Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., the builder worked with the federal agency to redesign the energy features of its basic models. The designs recently won the company the National Association of Home Builders' 2001 Energy Value Award.

Energy efficiency is achieved through Pulte's Environment for Living program. By using advanced insulation techniques, highly efficient equipment and windows, and right-sized heating and cooling systems, the homes use half the energy for heating and cooling, which translates to lower heating and cooling bills, according to the builder.

Building elements such as framing, insulation, heating and air conditioning, and duct work are designed to work in relation to one another rather than contracted and supervised separately.

"Structurally, the home is much more sound," Dave Beck, vice president of construction for Pulte, said. "The Cocoon cellulose insulation makes Environment for Living homes healthier, quieter and more durable."

Such energy efficiency can save the home buyer money. The builder offers a two-year guarantee that the heating and cooling system will perform at least 30 percent better than the Model Energy Code for homes. In addition, the homes may qualify for special energy-efficient mortgages.

The builder has 13 active developments throughout the valley, including The Links, The Fairways and The Greens at Stallion Mountain; Siena Vista and Cortona Hills at Southern Highlands; Parkside Townhomes, Bella Vista, Echo Ridge, Country Gardens, Eden Ridge and Sunset Ridge in Summerlin; Mill Creek at Lynbrook; and Diamond Creek in the northwest. Sales office hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday, when it opens at noon.

Through Aug. 19, visitors at any of those developments can register for the Pulte Dream Homes Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner may select a home or $250,000 toward a home from any of the company's more than 400 neighborhoods nationwide. The winner will be announced in late September.

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