Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, or SNHBA, is becoming very active in embracing the green housing concept. It has combined efforts with the Green Building Initiative to draw up guidelines for the Southern Nevada Green Building Partnership, an entity that sets standards for water management, energy use and the employment of recycled and renewable construction materials in the valley. It issues certificates to builders who participate in the program, assuring home buyers that certain criteria have been met.
Thus far five local builders have signed up and they are Pinnacle Homes, Pulte Homes, R/S Development, Signature Custom Homes and Signature Homes. The first green certificate under the initiative goes to a Pulte subdivision in Northwest.
Among the environmentally progressive features there are blown-in insulation manufactured from cellulose, like recycled newspaper, that is more compact than the usual fiberglass and thus forms fewer air gaps. The windows are specially treated to prevent heat from passing into and out of the house. All appliances, air conditioners and furnaces are energy-efficient. Water consumption is a huge issue in Southern Nevada and in light of that the plumbing is state-of-the-art in efficiency and landscaping design maximizes low water use and minimum runoff.
The Las Vegas builders participating consider the increased construction cost of 3% to 5% not an impediment to marketing these homes. The consumer is getting more educated about the value of green housing and accepts the minor price hike. He is now helping the environment and also has a home that is more attractive when it comes time to sell.
Photo by Mella Doll
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Provided by:
Esko Kiuru
Mortgage and real estate market commentator
www.BluefoxToday.com - syndicated mortgage and real estate blog
eskokiuru@gmail.com
My cell: 702-499-1006
Carole,
The consumer is slowly buying the idea of green building and its benefits.
George,
Dena sure knows her stuff on this.
Kathleen,
Building green is definitely gaining ground.
Keoki - If you happen to be out there checking your post please contact me at (702) 540-2956, I would love the opportunity to speak with you about The Las Vegas Green Performance Network. Our website is http://www.lvgpn.com/.
The Las Vegas Green Performance Network is a community of consumers, corporations and organizations who promote Eco-information and progress and share a mutual interest in protecting the environment. At The Las Vegas Green Performance Network, information and an open dialogue is expected to both stimulate new interest in the green lifestyle and act as a foundation of action. The Las Vegas Green Performance Network also holds monthly meetings, bring green products directly to consumers. These meetings allow consumers to see, touch and feel in a no pressure, no sales environment.
Again, I would love to add your company and it's Ventex product to the Green Performance Network.
Lisa
HI Esko ~ this is great that even production builders are starting to build to the better standards and certifications. I think it will be exciting for you to see the SNHBA grow their "green division!" Someday we will all look back and say "remember how everyone thought this was a fad!?!"
Mary,
It's a very positive move from SNHBA.
Hey Esko, Out here in Corvallis, Oregon environmental conscienceness has become our signature. In fact, in 2008, Country Home magazine rated us as the most "Green" city in America. So, if any clients of yours are looking to relocate to cooler climate remember me.
Mark,
I've heard about Oregon being in the forefront of green building. I'll surely will keep you in mind.