See 3 Ways Builders Incorporate High Performance into Homes

Join other 2020 International Builders’ Show (IBS) attendees on the Green Home Tour the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 22, to see a wide range of the latest in efficient, comfortable, intelligent home technology.

The tour begins in the master-planned Southern Highlands at Lennar’s Cortona community. Participants will tour a suite of four model homes ranging from 1,681 – 2,713 square feet with HERS scores in the mid 30s. Rooftop solar voltaic panels are a standard feature of these production homes; monthly utility costs are estimated at less than $65 per month. Other standard high-performance features include continuous exterior insulation, sealed and insulated ductwork, R-30 in the attic, radiant barrier, tight envelope (< 4 air changes per hour, or ACH), high-performance dual-pane windows, dual-flush toilets, fire-resistant roof tiles, and an extensive smart home package.

Next stop — also in Southern Highlands — is Augusta Canyon, a custom-built community by Growth Luxury Homes. The tour will visit two custom homes complete with smart-home integration, green technology and panoramic views of the mountains and Las Vegas skyline. These fully automated smart homes come with an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, photovoltaic solar panels and a power storage system. The homes are designed to not only be sophisticated and elegant, but also environmentally sustainable to reduce cost and waste as part of the Department of Energy (DOE) Challenge Homes program standards (now the Zero Energy Ready Homes program).

The tour will wrap up at the urban luxury apartment community of Green Leaf Lotus, managed by Green Leaf Partners. Based on the theme of “Living Green is Living Smart,” the property is wrapping up the final touches on a green certification. The property is built on an infill lot, with 90% drought-tolerant plantings, no turf and close proximity to public transportation. High-performance features include ENERGY STAR appliances, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, high-efficacy lighting, low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials, continuous exterior insulation, and energy costs estimated at 20% better than baseline.

Register for the 2020 IBS in Las Vegas Jan. 21-23, 2020, and sign up for the Green Home Tour. Take advantage of the sustainable offerings at the show, including the High Performance Building Zone located in the North Hall for live demonstrations and presentations on the latest in sustainable building techniques.

*Note: All articles are redistributed from NAHBnow.com*

*Photo credit to Lennar Green Home Tour - Home at Growth Luxury Homes' Augusta Canyon Community*