Signature develops Energy Star residences

Signature Homes, a member of Nevada Energy Star Partners since 2004, is developing six neighborhoods in the Las Vegas Valley that feature Energy Star-rated homes. These include Eagle Ranch, Suncrest, Mission Del Rey, Solana Terrace, Bristlecone and when completed, Cortona.

According to Susan Proctor, vice president of sales and marketing for Signature Homes, these energy-efficient houses offer a variety of features, such as higher levels of insulation, low-e windows, tight construction and ducts and energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.

"Our homes are built to offer great environmentally oriented features at a fantastic value," Proctor said. "We recognize that homeowners today place immense value on owning an Energy Star rated home. It's not only the right thing to do for the times and the environment, it's financially responsible and helps homeowners save money on utility bills."

Celebrating more than 30 years of building quality homes, Signature Homes offers innovative designs, superior construction and long-term satisfaction, according to Proctor.

In Southern Nevada, the company has built thousands of homes, condominiums, and apartments, and is listed in the top 100 builders nationally.

"Signature also offers Energy Star-rated appliances to extend energy savings in our homes," Proctor said. "It's yet another way to give back to the environment and help lower utility bills for conscientious homeowners."

Nevada Energy Star Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation, recently launched its 2008 campaign, Energy Star -- Your Green Foundation. The three-month awareness-building campaign, funded by contributions from partners, is designed to promote Energy Star brand awareness and energy conservation as an important first step for individuals and corporations committed to "going green."

Energy Star, the national U.S. government symbol for energy efficiency, was created by the Environmental Protection Agency originally 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 -- from appliances, electronics, lighting, windows and office products -- to homes and even mortgages.

Now in its eighth year, Nevada Energy Star Partners was recognized in April 2008 by the EPA at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. with its most distinguished award, Sustained Excellence.

This is the sixth consecutive year Nevada Energy Star Partners has received this award -- the only Energy Star partnership in the country to accomplish this.

Nevada Energy Star Partners encourages consumers and businesses to share how they are making a difference.

For more information or to submit your story or tip, visit thinkenergystar.com.