Energy Star homes popular in Southern Nevada

Nevada Energy Star Partners is a coalition of home builders and other businesses whose goal it is to increase awareness of Energy Star homes. Locally, the number of homes being built to Energy Star standards is on the rise, according to Sam Rashkin, national director of Energy Star for new homes.

"Energy Star builder partners and champions in Las Vegas are working together to tell consumers about the outstanding value and wide availability of Energy Star qualified homes in (the) area. Home buyers who choose an Energy Star qualified home can expect to save thousands of dollars in energy costs while living in homes that are more comfortable, durable, healthy and environmentally friendly," he said.

The voluntary program is managed jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. In Southern Nevada, 19 builders are developing more than 80 neighborhoods offering homes that meet Energy Star requirements, which means they are at least 30 percent more efficient than standard homes based on the Model Energy Code.

The homes include such features as tight ductwork, energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, high-performance windows and improved insulation.

An integral step in earning the Energy Star designation is the verification of the home's energy efficiency by a third-party inspector.

Implementation and verification services are offered to home builders by independent companies known as Home Energy Rating System, or HERS, providers. These companies must be accredited and approved by the EPA.

After a home has been built, a HERS rater inspects and tests it to verify compliance with design specifications.

Energy Star increases home affordability because consumers who purchase a labeled home are automatically eligible to apply for an energy-efficient mortgage, according to the partnership. This financial benefit factors expected energy savings into both the qualification and loan amount calculations. The HERS report is the documentation the lender requires. Because of lower energy bills, Energy Star homes are easier to purchase and more affordable to own.

Nevada Power Co., a business partner in the coalition, has stated that the program benefits all who are involved.

"Our goal is to work with the construction industry to build a better community that is environmentally friendly, preserves resources and creates prosperity for all Southern Nevadans. Nevada Power salutes building community members who have risen to be leaders in building to a higher energy-efficiency standard," said Arnold Lopez, manager of residential energy efficiency and conservation programs.

Visitors at participating Nevada Energy Star Partners' new-home neighborhoods can enter a drawing for prizes at each subdivision. The entry deadline is July 31, 2003. No purchase is required.

Among the prizes are appliances, gift certificates, show tickets, and a vacation package, all donated by local businesses and Energy Star partners. The drawing will be held Aug. 14 and winners need not be present.

Home builder members of Nevada Energy Star Partners are: American Premiere Homes, Amstar Homes, Astoria Homes, Beazer Homes, Centex dba Real Homes, Concordia Homes, Del Webb Communities, Desert Wind Homes, Distinctive Homes, Greystone Homes, Hearthstone Homebuilders, KB Home, Nevada Home Group, Pardee Homes, Perma-Bilt Homes, Pulte Homes, Spinnaker Homes, Signature Homes and Westmark Homes.

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