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Nick Smith
September 26, 2007
Having a green house doesn't require glass panes or a bucket of olive drab anymore.
New trends in construction have expanded the "green" label to include energy-efficient homes.
"It's the energy efficiency label that's morphing into the green-build," said Roger Yohem, vice president of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.
Homes don't necessarily have to be decked out in fancy solar panels to be good for the environment.
"That's part of the misconception, that this is brand new stuff," Yohem said. "New technologies and products have entered the market over the last 15, 20 years. The builders are using the ones that make economic sense."
Builders like Pulte already are integrating energy-efficient fixtures, like double-pane windows, into new homes, Yohem said.
In February 2008, the National Association of Home Builders will implement green home guidelines, which will provide a benchmark for environmentally friendly homes to meet.
Some of the guidelines include minimizing the home lot's impact to the surrounding environment, effectively using building materials and designing the home to be energy efficient.
NAHB Vice President Bob Jones was quoted in the SAHBA monthly newsletter as saying: "Ten years ago, green building was a niche market. Today, advanced building technologies and new products mean that mainstream homes can be built green affordably."
Two models from Western Heritage Homes that are built to the new standards will be on display to the public from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 29, at 5800 W. Turkey Lane, near the intersection of Tangerine Road and Dove Mountain Boulevard.
"We've done a lot of things to these homes to cause them to be extremely energy efficient on the conservation side," said Dutch Swaim, chief operating officer for Western Heritage Homes. "We've decided not to do any regeneration (like solar panels) because of the cost."
Swaim tested the homes' energy efficiency by setting the thermostat to 78 degrees and keeping some of the lights on 24/7 to simulate a family living there.
The energy bill in May totaled $33 while the bills in June and July were $44 and $49, respectively, Swaim said.
Rather than install energy generation methods, like solar panels, to the houses, Western Heritage Homes tried to keep the cost down by focusing on materials and methods that save energy in the long run, Swaim said.
The homes, which will be built on spec, cost between $180,000 and $190,000, plus the cost of the lot, Swaim said.
Designs of the two homes invoke the Old West, like a John Wayne ranch-style home and a Spanish mission-style house.
"We're trying to achieve both ends of the candle," Swaim said. "Have an antique, old-looking home and have it be technologically advanced."
Other green-designed homes will be showcased at the upcoming Architecture Week 2007.
In addition to a home tour, the Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will set up displays and presentation at the Foothills Mall from Oct. 6 through 13.