Solar Powered Homes – Growing Trend

New Homes at Solar Powered Development Receive Energy Star and Build it Green Labels

The Villages at Heritage Springs, the nation’s largest solar community, has won impressive third party certifications for its commitment to using energy-efficient practices and products in its construction. Energy Star and Build It Green certifications are independent verifications of the builder’s dedication to healthy and sustainable construction practices.

Santa Fe Springs, CA (Aug. 8, 2010) – Each new home purchased at the Villages at Heritage Springs comes with a label verifying that it meets both the Energy Star and Build It Green “GreenPoint” rating standards for healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices. These tough standards are verified through independent, third-party inspection, proving this solar powered development to be a leader in responsible, sustainable and healthy construction.

“As a developer and builder we feel that our new construction should be approached with an eye towards our environment and energy savings,” said Tabassom Ayazi, Vice President for Comstock Homes Sales and Marketing. “Recent developments like the Gulf oil spill really show the need to reduce our dependence on oil. Programs like Energy Star and Build It Green help us set construction standards that will not only save homeowners money, but will help us all save our environment and build better communities.”

To receive the Energy Star rating new homes must meet a strict set of energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Homes must feature energy-efficient improvements including effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducting, proper sizing of heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star qualified lighting and appliances. During construction independent, certified Home Energy Raters (HERS) conduct inspections and diagnostic test. After the final test is completed the home receives and Energy Star label.

The homes at Villages at Heritage Springs also come with a Build It Green GreenPoint-rated label. The mission of this non-profit organization is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building standards within the state of California. This program utilizes additional criteria such as indoor air quality, water and resource conservation and community effect in addition to its on own set of energy efficiency standards to qualify for a GreenPoint label. By addressing and rating the effect of new communities on a diverse range of issues such as reducing traffic congestion, offering more appealing recreational opportunities and helping to create greater economic activity, the GreenPoint system strives to help create more livable communities.

“These programs were incorporated during the earliest stages of planning and have helped us build a better community,” added Ayazi. “But they also provide greater value for new home buyers. In addition to energy savings of up to 60 percent homeowners can be assured they are living in a healthier home that was built under watchful eyes and will more than likely return a higher resale value when it becomes time to sell.”