Added nearly 500 ENERGY STAR Certified Homes to the Market with their Living SMART Program
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Maracay Homes, an Arizona-based builder, of single-family homes for premium homebuyers in the greater Phoenix and Tucson markets has announced that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a 2014 ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Market Leader. The award recognizes Maracay Homes for its comprehensive LivingSmart® program. In 2013, Maracay Homes built nearly 500 ENERGY STAR certified homes. Collectively, these homes will save homeowners approximately $150,000 on utility bills and reduce nearly 1.9 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Maracay Homes’ LivingSmart® program is designed around four core ‘smart’ components: Health, Energy, Earth and Water. Features like an ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwasher, DePure™ water filtration system, advanced programmable thermostats and solar-ready components are ‘standard’ features in a Maracay home and translate into cost savings and superior comfort for homeowners.
“We are committed to sustainability for our buyers,” said Andy Warren, Maracay CEO. “This award validates our ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency in our homes. As an Arizona-based builder this is extremely important to our clients. Our LivingSmart® program delivers best in class efficient home features designed for our unique climate.”
According to RESNET, a home energy efficiency rating service, a typical resale home in the United States rates 130 on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index and a standard new home scores 100. Current Maracay homes average 63, meaning they are already 35% more energy efficient than a standard new home. Features like effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances all add up to better comfort, better durability, and reduced utility and maintenance costs.
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that require an integrated approach to design combined with tried-and-true best building practices. These homes then undergo third-party verification of energy performance and are up to 30% more efficient than typical new homes built today.
“ENERGY STAR partners provide new homes that are designed and built to standards well above most others on the market today,” said Jonathan Passe, director of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Residential Branch. “Because ENERGY STAR certified homes undergo rigorous independent inspections and testing, homebuyers who choose ENERGY STAR can be confident that their new home will offer real energy efficiency, comfort, durability, and value for years to come.”
Together, families living in ENERGY STAR certified homes saved $558 million on their utility bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 643,000 vehicles last year alone. More than 90,000 new homes were constructed to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines in 2013, and more than 1.5 million ENERGY STAR homes have been built.
Maracay Homes is the recipient of numerous quality and design awards including the prestigious Pacific Coast Builders’ Conference Golden Nugget Award of Merritt and 2011 Builder of the Year Award from the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA).