Virginia Tech Lumenhaus Wins The 2010 Solar Decathlon!

Date: 06/28/2010 | Source: Inhabitat
Lennar PowerSmart Homes
Lennar PowerSmart Homes

Source: Inhabitat

Over the last few weeks, the 2010 Solar Decathlon Design Competition attracted over one thousand students to participate in this design-build competition which challenged the teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses. These designs had to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, attractive and durable. A group of 17 entries rose above the rest, attracting relentless scrutiny from the competition’s judges. At the end of the competition Virginia Tech‘s “Lumenhaus” took first place! This competition has helped the world to see the possibilities of self-sustaining structures, especially with investments in solar technology. Click here to read about all 17 finalists, view photos of the homes and of the competition, and learn more about what made the “Lumenhaus” outshine the competition!

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    A Booming Enterprise: Recycling Whole Houses

    Date: 06/24/2010 | Source: USA Today
    Lennar PowerSmart Homes
    Lennar PowerSmart Homes

    Source: Wyoming News Blog

    Recycling is expanding from newspapers and bottles to entire houses as foreclosures, tax credits and landfill costs prompt businesses and non-profit organizations to salvage materials from old homes. Stores are springing up to sell used lumber, appliances, cabinetry and flooring. Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit that builds and rehabs affordable homes, has 550 such retail outlets, called “ReStores.” Mark Andrews, Habitat’s director of U.S. operations, says the number is growing “almost daily.” He expects an additional 100 stores in the next year. Click here to read more about this new growing trend in the size and scope of recycling!

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      California Governor, Environmentalists & Members of Congress Recognize Lennar for Ground-Breaking Solar Lease Program

      Date: 06/15/2010 | Source:
      Lennar PowerSmart Homes
      Lennar PowerSmart Homes

      Source: CommonCurrent.com

      Lennar Corporation, one of the leading U.S. builders of quality homes, announced today that the Company is the first high-production homebuilder in the U.S. to successfully launch a solar lease program that virtually eliminates up-front costs and provides homeowners with below-market energy rates. In partnership with SunPower Corporation, Lennar introduced the innovative leasing program last year with sales of energy-efficient Lennar homes in California. Under the program, called SunPower Access, Lennar homeowners lease a high-efficiency solar system that generates most of a home’s electricity at a cost below current utility rates for the average homeowner. As utility rates increase, so will savings–providing homeowners a hedge against soaring energy costs. Lennar’s solar-leasing program is supported by a wide range of government, business and environmental leaders, including California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Click here to learn more about this unique and innovative solar program!

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        Lennar Home Buyers Can Rent Their Solar Equipment

        Date: 06/15/2010
        Lennar PowerSmart Homes

        Lennar PowerSmart HomesOne of the country’s largest home builders is offering a new financing option that could make it easier for people to afford solar-powered homes. Calling it the first large-scale program of its kind, Lennar Corp. plans to announce Tuesday a partnership with solar panel manufacturer and installer SunPower Corp. to lease panels rather than requiring home buyers to purchase the technology outright along with the house. Last year, Lennar and SunPower launched a successful test run of the leasing option in 150 Sacramento homes. Under the program, customers would essentially buy the electricity produced by the solar panels, making monthly payments to SunPower that the company says will average $65 over 10 years, or about $7,800 total. Click here to read more about this unique Solar program!

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          World Ocean Day Prompts Call For Action

          Date: 06/09/2010 | Source: USA Today
          Lennar PowerSmart Homes
          Lennar PowerSmart Homes

          Source: Greg Wood, AFP/Getty Images

          Today is World Oceans Day, and as the disastrous Gulf oil spill continues, environmentalists are using this holiday to spotlight the need to protect the seas. “It’s a terrible disaster and it’s raising awareness around the country and the world about the ocean’s fragility to a large extent,” said Bill Mott, director of The Ocean Project, a network of groups promoting World Oceans Day, according to MSNBC. Events and protests are being held worldwide, and in the United States, there’s a call to action. Click here to read that call to action and see how you can get involved on this World Oceans Day!

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            Want To Beat The Summer Heat? EPA Offers Cooling Tips

            Date: 06/09/2010 | Source: USA Today
            Lennar PowerSmart Homes
            Lennar PowerSmart Homes

            Source: Al Goldis, AP

            As summer approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering low- to no-cost energy-efficient cooling tips to beat the heat. The EPA says the typical U.S. household spends almost 20% of its utility bills on cooling, but it can significantly lower that amount. “You can save energy, save money, and help fight climate change,” it says in an announcement slated for tomorrow. Its Energy Star program, which it co-runs with the Department of Energy, offers more than a dozen tips such as using a programmable thermostat. Click here to read a full list of tips and watch “how-to” videos to prepare for the summer months!

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