Environment: Pardee principle

Nevada Trails hosted the Environmental Protection Agency's recent announcement of a new clean-air initiative. The Pardee Homes community in the southwestern valley was selected as the site, according to Wayne Nastri, regional administrator for the federal agency's Pacific Southwest office, because the builder has shown "tremendous vision by building homes that are better for the environment."

"As the nation's first multiregional builder to embrace the EPA's Energy Star concept, Pardee Homes has been building homes that exceed national Energy Star standards by 30 percent since 1998. Pardee has taken additional measures to increase energy efficiency by up to 15 percent over Energy Star criteria. These efforts have helped Pardee earn the distinction of Energy Star Partner of the Year in 2003 and 2004."

Nastri said the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule will cut emission levels from construction, agriculture and industrial diesel-powered equipment by more than 90 percent. It will also remove 99 percent of the sulfur in diesel fuel by 2010, resulting in significant reductions in soot from all diesel engines.

Pardee executive Joyce Mason said the builder remains committed to a cleaner and healthier environment.

"We build only Energy Star homes," she said. "In 2003, some 10 million pounds of greenhouse gases were prevented from entering the atmosphere due to 2,300 Pardee-built homes."

A typical Energy Star home keeps 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air each year, according to Nastri. He pointed out that Americans aided by Energy Star saved enough energy last year to power 15 million homes and reduce air pollution equivalent to that of 15 million cars -- all while saving consumers $7 billion.

Pardee further promoted energy conservation by hosting an Earth Day event, at which the company gave away 1,000 energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs that use 66 percent less energy than standard light bulbs. Also, the builder introduced its LivingSmart program that offers sustainable features and options such as solar energy systems, Energy Star appliances, fluorescent lighting and water-efficient landscapes.

"A zero-energy home program is our next step," Mason said. "With the use of integrated solar roof tiles, the program's first-level target is a 50 percent reduction in energy costs."

Pardee launched its zero-energy home initiative with its Ultimate Family Home, which was built in Nevada Trails for the 2004 International Builders' Show. Mason said the 5,300-square-foot residence has achieved a 90 percent reduction in energy costs, and its estimated average monthly utility bill is $16.93.

Many of the home's features are available in the builder's local neighborhoods.

Pardee has built nearly 30,000 homes in Southern Nevada since 1952.

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