Homebuilders Make Green, Efficient Features Standard
By Wendy Koch in USA Today, March 2 2010
More homebuilders in the United States, especially the largest ones, are including green features in their standard packages as buyers demand energy efficiency.
This week, Miami-based Lennar announced plans to offer its new PowerSmartSM Homes in all 16 states where it builds, beginning in Minnesota. These homes, designed to cut energy use 40%, will include efficient heating, cooling, lighting, appliances and windows. They'll come with the government's Energy Star label and the Department of Energy's efficiency score.
"Prospective buyers are eco-conscious and truly embrace energy-efficient products even in this current economic climate," Bill Burgess, president of Lennar's Minnesota region, said in a statement.
