Distinctive Homes commits to Energy Star

Distinctive Homes is one of several local Las Vegas home builders responding to building energy-efficient homes. A member of Nevada Energy Star Partners since 2002, Distinctive Homes offers Energy Star-rated homes in 13 Las Vegas communities, including Taos Estates, Springs Ranch and Canyons Estates.

"Distinctive Homes voluntarily joined the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program because of our commitment to do the right thing for both the environment and consumers," said Steve Kelly, vice president of land development and construction and a current resident of Distinctive Homes' Taos Estates neighborhood. "In fact, we've been building homes to increased design specifications for the past 15 years -- even before the Energy Star program was created."

The home builder's current construction standards include a number of special energy-saving products and practices. They feature increased energy efficiency ratings for air-conditioning units, radiant barrier roof sheathing for decreased attic temperatures, increased attic insulation rating from R-30 to R-38 utilizing Cocoon brand blown-in insulation combined with sealed tight duct work, programmable thermostats, SunCoatMAX low-e insulating glass vinyl windows by Milgard and fully sheathed exteriors for greater thermal performance.

"We go above and beyond standard building practices to ensure homeowners receive a quality, energy-efficient home from the ground up," Kelly said. "In fact, Distinctive Homes is committed to building specifications that exceed building code standards by 50 percent -- higher than the 30 percent improvement required by the EPA for qualified Energy Star-rated homes. Our goal is to provide buyers with affordable homes that reduce greenhouse emissions while simultaneously saving them money on utility expenses."

According to Kelly, Distinctive Homes was one of the first local builders to commit to constructing all of its new homes as Energy Star-rated.

Nevada Energy Star Partners is a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and utilities promoting energy conservation. Energy Star-rated homes meet guidelines forefficiency set forth by the EPA.