 Centex is one of the major home building companies in the country that is turning to making green homes. The company is affiliated with Pulte Homes, which started in Michigan in the 1950s and is keeping up with the times by making homes better than ever before. The homes are getting to be more efficient and sustainable, evolving into more eco-friendly versions of their conventional predecessors.
One of the new developments is the Energy Advantage homes. These homes are designed with energy conservation in mind through and through. The use of radiant barrier roof decking is employed, which means that the roof is made to trap in the indoor air. Enhanced insulation is used as well, so temperature control is much easier since the insulation prevents temperature fluctuations. A high-efficiency HVAC system is installed in every home so that when heating or cooling is used, less energy needs to go into it. The windows are efficient so that less heat comes through in summertime and the wintertime chill isn't much of a problem. All lighting is done with compact florescent lighting, which reduces light and energy waste and the heat associated with them. Programmable thermostats are in the homes. This makes it easier to control energy use by adjusting the temperature according to season. All appliances are ones that qualify for ENERGY STAR ratings. Finally, energy usage monitors have been installed in the homes as well as operation guides so that occupants can become educated on their energy usage. Centex claims that the Energy Advantage Homes are up to 40 percent more efficient than the average 10 year old home. They further state that the homes are 22 percent more efficient than new homes. Centex takes pride in being the first major homebuilder to offer these features in every new home built.
There are even more developments popping up through Centex homes. Projects like their Built Green home are built in places that were once brownfields and which they have taken meticulous measures to reduce construction waste and protect area wildlife and vegetation during construction. The homes also have water conservation measures built in with special fixtures, also boasting superior indoor air quality. Centex Homes is planning on making more developments like Built Green in the future to take things a step further. EnviroCitizen.org looks forward to these developments with great anticipation and hopes that other building companies will follow suit and begin building green as well.
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