Dallas-based McGuyer Homebuilders (MHI) announced it will build 300 homes in Texas during the next year to the LEED for Homes Certified level. Ken Gezella, regional sales manager, says the commitment will make McGuyer the largest production builder of single-family LEED homes in the nation.
McGuyer has been building Energy Star-certified and Green Built Texas-certified houses through its Eco Smart program, so “LEED for Homes was a natural progression for us,” Gezella says. “We are excited because the requirements for LEED are more stringent than Energy Star.”
The builder is so confident in the LEED program that it is guaranteeing home buyers’ heating and cooling costs for the first two years.
McGuyer began building the LEED homes Feb. 7 in its three signature brands: Plantation Homes, Coventry Homes, and Carmel Builders. Gezella says the builder will absorb additional expenses, so the dwellings won't cost more than current models.
As compared with the firm’s Energy Star-certified houses, the LEED homes will feature improvements such as enhanced air infiltration and ventilation systems, and HVAC equipment upgrades from 14 SEER to 16 SEER.
“With this strong commitment from MHI, we’re now thrilled to welcome a proven leader from the production home community into the LEED for Homes program,” Nate Kredich, USGBC vice president of Residential Market Development, said in a statement.
Jean Dimeo is Chief Editor, Online, for EcoHome.
