Meritage Homes, a major home builder which is traded on the NYSE, has announced that they are the only national public home builder that meets Energy Star standards in every home that they build. They are a company that has been known for their green building efforts, so this comes as no surprise.
Homes are graded on Energy Star qualifications based on how they address certain areas of the house. For instance, the heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, lighting and appliances, thermostats, and windows. There are levels that need to be attained in these areas and more before they are certified as being Energy Star compliant. Per Meritage Homes, they not only have matched all of these qualifications, but have exceeded many of them.
It is estimated that residents living in Energy Star qualified homes will save in a cumulative $270 million in 2010 just on their utility bills while also sending almost no emissions into the atmosphere. Meritage Homes states that while most home builders add Energy Star efficiency as an option or upgrade that cost homeowners more money, they feel it’s important to add those items up front at no additional cost. This means that the homeowners save even more money when they purchase a Meritage Home.
Meritage Homes is celebrating their 25th Anniversary year in 2010 as the only large public builder to meet Energy Star standards in every home it builds. They are the ninth largest home builder in the United States, and build their homes in six states including Texas, where their corporate offices are located, as well as Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, and California. Meritage Homes has 162 actively selling communities in the 12 metropolitan areas they build in.
They have five main housing community models as well:
• Legacy Homes, which are affordable family homes
• Meritage Active, more upscale adult community homes
• Meritage Homes, known for their unique and award-winning designs
• Monterey Homes, their top of the line luxury homes
• Texas Big Homes, large family homes that, in their words, remind people of the size of Texas itself
Mitch Mitchell is a consultant who writes and participates in many different fields, including real estate finance issues. 
I’m surprised it wasn’t Pulte homes. Meritage Homes does build some nice homes though. Hopefully all new homes will be built to better than Energy Star standards.
.-= Chas@Las Vegas Real Estate´s last blog ..Real Estate Update =-.
Heard about Meritage Homes but not sure they are the only National public home builder. As the time rolls it would be great if we go green. Its a good thing that MH going green.
@ Scooter – The press release that I read on CNN Money stated that Meritage Homes is currently the “only large public builder to meet Energy Star standards in every home it builds.”
@ Chas – Thanks for stopping by, we look forward to seeing your next blog post on our Nevada side!
That’s a very good qualification to have for any type of company like that. I’m sure they will get a ton of new business from this. Saving $270 m on utility bills in 2010 for all their homes is a very impressive number.
@ Steve – “Saving $270 m on utility bills in 2010, impressive number” You can say that again!
The builder I am partnered up with here in Utah is the same way, all of their homes are energy star rated, and most exceed requirements. They build some really great looking homes, that also produce savings on energy bills.
Oh cool, interesting, thanks for the info on meritage homes. Good to know, good to know.
Know Lisa if your Utah builder needs any extra exposure let me know I would love to help!
This is very informative ,
Its great information about the meritage Homes First Energy Star Qualified Home Builder
Thanks!!
Great for Meritage, they build some really nice homes out in the central Texas area. I just sold one last week.
Jacci
All builders should follow their lead. With as many homes being built, building green is the most responsible thing to do.
.-= Matt@Atlanta GA Real Estate´s last blog ..Act NOW if you are a FHA Buyer!! =-.
I am a sales associate for Meritage Active Adult in Buckeye, Arizona. You are all correct; we are very excited to be “Energy Star Certified”. Our buyers love it!! Meritage has always built a great home, but now we have gone above and beyond to insure the performance of our home meets our higher standards. Stop in and see me. I am at Sundance Active Adult Community in Buckeye, Arizona. Beautiful 55+.
45+ if purchase from the builder. Susie
@Susan – Thanks for stopping by! If you would ever like to write a blog post sharing with our readers the active adult community in Buckeye you represent shoot me an email. We would love to have your!
That’s great news for Meritage. Energy star is becoming a very important rating these days.
.-= Custom Motorcycle´s last blog ..2008/2009 Winter Streetfighter Motorcycle Buildoff part 1 =-.