Share this page
Print this page:
Add this page to:
Energy efficiency "the new green" for US house builders
15/07/10
Edited by Andy Jowett. Energy efficiency is becoming "the new green" for builders in the US, as construction companies are increasingly pushing the money-saving benefits of climate controls and enhanced insulation to attract potential buyers.
Citi analyst Josh Levin told Reuters that some companies are prepared to accept smaller profits by investing in additional measures for heat and water conservation in return for a bigger share of the market further down the line.
One such builder is Meritage Homes, which recently completed a 210-property development at Lyon's Gate near Phoenix, Arizona, where each house comes with $50,000 (£32,782) worth of energy upgrades, including more efficient lighting, water systems and insulation.
CR Herro, the firm's vice-president of environmental affairs, said these features are a big part of the marketing of the homes, with the company estimating that they could save buyers over $100,000 over a 30-year mortgage.
"There are choices beyond just what kind of countertops you want. There are choices in energy efficiency that substantially change cost of ownership," he commented.
Meritage has completed around 60,000 homes across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Texas.
