The EPA named Los Angeles-based KB Home as a 2009 Excellence in Energy Star Promotion Award winner for its contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and educating buyers. KB Home, the only national home builder to receive the award, recently announced that, starting this year, all houses it builds will be Energy Star qualified.

“Partners like KB Home are offering consumers the opportunity to save money, get a home that is more comfortable, and help protect the environment,” said Kathleen Hogan, EPA’s director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division, in a statement.

From 2001 through 2008, KB Home built 58,183 highly energy-efficient homes, including 48,702 Energy Star-qualified homes and 9,481 ComfortWise-certified homes. According to EPA formulas, Energy Star-qualified homes reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 150,000 metric tons annually and collectively save homeowners up to $26 million per year on utility bills.

In 2008, KB Home said it was the first major home builder to include all Energy Star-rated appliances in every new home. Energy Star-rated products use 10% to 50% less energy and water than standard models.

The Excellence in Energy Star Promotion Award is given to a variety of organizations in recognition of their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 organizations participating in the Energy Star program.