Pulte Homes completes 1,500 Energy Star homes

In today's conservation-conscious times, energy efficiency is increasingly important. Many homebuyers who are interested in saving on their energy costs know to look for the Energy Star before they purchase a home, as this government designation indicates a high level of energy efficiency.

Pulte Homes recently marked the milestone of completing 1,500 Energy Star-rated homes in Southwest Florida. The 1,500th home was located in Sandoval, a Cape Coral master-planned community developed by The Bonita Bay Group where Pulte Homes is building several neighborhoods, including the carriage homes at Somerville and the single-family homes at Sutherland.

The Southwest Florida market of Pulte Homes and its DiVosta Homes and Del Webb family of brands has an ongoing commitment to energy-efficient homebuilding.

In 2007 and 2008, the homebuilder was featured in "Pulte Homes: An Energy Star, BuildSmart Profile," an energy efficiency study conducted by Florida Power & Light company. BuildSmart is FPL's energy-efficient new home certification program. A BuildSmart home can save homeowners between 10 and 30 percent or more on their monthly energy bills.

The study's objective was to profile an exemplary builder that achieves BuildSmart and Energy Star certifications and to promote the programs to increase homebuyer and builder participation.

"Pulte Homes was pleased be able to take part in this valuable study and to contribute to energy-conscious residential standards in Southwest Florida," said Jill Hoffman, vice-president of sales and marketing for the homebuilder's Southwest Florida market.

Pulte Homes was selected to take part in the Florida Power & Light study because of its role in energy-efficient homebuilding.

"FPL appreciates Pulte Homes' efforts to incorporate energy efficiency into the home construction process," said Sarah Marmion, company spokesperson for Florida Power & Light. "We understand the hardship that rising energy prices can pose and we support this initiative because it will help our customers manage their electric bills."

To be considered Energy Star compliant, a home requires a certain proven energy efficiency level beyond a Base Code home; that level is currently 15 percent. Pulte Homes' Energy Star residences undergo a plan review and precertification prior to building and field inspections by a certified third party. Certain installation options are also necessary within the home, such as R-30 insulation in ceilings; five or more Energy Star lights or appliances; a 13 Seer HVAC system; a programmable thermostat; and double pane insulation high performance low-emittance windows. Ultimately, compliance to Energy Star standards raises the quality of the home's construction.

To learn more about the Energy Star program, visit http://www.energystar. gov/. To learn more about FPL's BuildSmart program, visit http://www. fplbuildsmart.com