Desert Wind Supports Energy Star

Desert Wind Homes, a small Las Vegas-based home builder, is committed to constructing energy-efficient homes in compliance with Nevada Energy Star standards, said Melonie Cook, the company's sales and marketing manager.

"We have all of our building plans reviewed by a third-party inspector to ensure that our construction meets Energy Star guidelines. In addition to construction, this also includes guidelines for heating and cooling equipment, insulation and low-e windows," Cook said. "Constructing Energy Star-rated homes is an environmental issue as well as an added value we can provide our customers. By helping homeowners lower their utility bills through Energy Star construction, we are also helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. Energy Star is good for the environment and our homeowners."

Currently, there are seven Energy Star-rated Desert Wind communities in Las Vegas including, Centennial Crossing, Cache, Brighton, Tiara Summit, Butler Estates, Tiara, Summit II and Montara III.

"Desert Wind Homes has been involved with the Energy Star program for the past five years," Cook said. "We are committed to building a quality, energy-efficient home for our customers and believe it's the right thing to do. We are proud of our association with Energy Star."

Desert Wind Homes is a member of Nevada Energy Star Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation. Energy Star-rated homes meet building guidelines for energy efficiency set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Energy Star-qualified homes can include energy-efficient features such as effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances.

These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, in addition to lowering energy demand and reducing air pollution.

Energy Star, the national U.S. government symbol for energy efficiency, originally was created by the EPA for energy-conserving computers in 1992 and is now jointly implemented with the U.S. Department of Energy. Since its origins, the program has been expanded to include more than 40 product categories that conserve energy and protect the environment.