By
Greentech Lead Team: KB Home, one of the nation’s premier homebuilders, opened
its first net-zero energy home, ZeroHouse 2.0, in Nevada. ZeroHouse 2.0 may
eliminate the monthly electricity charges entirely, and is estimated to save a
homeowner $2,400 annually on energy utility costs when compared to a typical existing
home.
“When
the temperature hits triple digits here in Las Vegas, as it often can, many
homeowners see their monthly bills reach well into the triple digits too,” said Rob
McGibney, executive vice president of KB Home’s Las Vegas division.
ZeroHouse
2.0 features increased insulation, upgraded HVAC systems and dual-pane, low-e
windows and solar panels on the roof. With these features ZeroHouse 2.0 enables
to increase energy efficiency and lower energy utility costs to nearly zero.
“This
home represents the latest evolution of our Built to Order experience that puts
the homebuyer in greater control of their monthly electricity costs, while
letting them personalize a new home that suits their lifestyle, budget and
taste,” McGibney added.
The
new model ZeroHouse 2.0 home at Talavera also showcases innovative new
technology including an energy monitoring system and automated home controls.
KB Home
builds 100 percent of its new homes to U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR standards. KB
Home’s ENERGY STAR qualified home designs, as well as ZeroHouse 2.0 efficiency
options, are available at select communities throughout the Las Vegas area.
KB Home recently announced that it will include solar
power systems as a standard feature of its Built to Order homes in select
communities in Central Florida.