How Green Is the Valley?

SALES SUCCESS: Homes at both Azure Canyon and Palm Vistas (pictured), both by Pulte/Del Webb Homes and selling in the mid-$200s to upper-$300s, respectively, feature a standard package of low-E windows, tankless water heaters, 15-SEER cooling systems, upgraded insulation, and dual-flush toilets that enable them to qualify for federal energy tax credits. Driving directions to Azure Canyon: Take the southern 215 Beltway to Durango and exit south; left onto Blue Diamond; right onto Buffalo and turn into Mountain’s Edge; left onto Mountain’s Edge Pkwy.; Azure Canyon is on the right. Driving directions to Palm Vistas: Take 215 East to US-95 South; exit Horizon and turn right; quick left onto Horizon Ridge; right onto Mission; right onto Fortacre; follow the signs. Driving directions to Villa Trieste: From the LVCC, take Sahara Ave. west; right at Hughes Park; right on Summerlin Centre; third exit is Cape Cod Landing; Villa Trieste is on the right.

PROTOTYPE GREEN: Signature Homes hopes to learn some lessons from a 2,200-square-foot prototype in its Mission Del Rey community. The home is a new plan that will feature upgraded products and systems to conserve a variety of resources and adhere to the Southern Nevada Green Building Partnership standards. “It will add about 3 to 5 percent to the cost of our standard Energy Star–rated home, not including the solar panels,” says Brian Plaster, a ­premium he expects to hone down or pinpoint to remain cost competitive while providing a better-built home. Driving directions: Take US-95 North to Craig Rd. east; left on Donna; left into community.

SAVED BY ZERO: Pinnacle Homes built a zero-energy home—and sold it—in 2004, in partnership with federal, state, and local entities. Builder Danny Martter combined precast walls to more than double the insulating value of the shell compared with conventionally built homes in the valley, and installed a 5.0 kilowatt photovoltaic panel array on the south-facing roof to achieve a net-zero electrical balance. A solar thermal unit takes care of all water heating needs. The home is occupied and the section containing the house is sold out and within a gated community; for more information, go to www.solar.unlv.edu/projects/zeh.php.