First Mexican Restaurant in the United States to use Solar PV to Generate Electricity

Mi Cocina, a Mexican restaurant located for over 10 years at Belleview and Windermere recently installed a solar structure above an existing patio to create an awning that not only shades the diners, but generates the electricity used to prepare their food. Saul Sierra, owner of the restaurant has dedicated the popular spot to the renewable energy cause. After ten years at the same location he decided to make an investment in future generations. The... 

Habitat for Humanity and Third Annual Whirlpool(R) Building Blocks Program Bring Nine Dallas Families Home for the Holidays

Home for the holidays takes on a whole new meaning this year for nine families in Dallas. Starting today, Whirlpool brand, Habitat for Humanity International, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, and volunteers from across the country will build nine new homes by Friday as part of the third annual Whirlpool brand Building Blocks program. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO ) According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition... 

KB Home and Martha Stewart Introduce New Active Adult Community in La Quinta, California

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and KB Home announced their newest project — an active adult community in La Quinta, California. These new KB homes created with Martha Stewart will represent KB Home’s first community built exclusively for adults 55 and over. “I’m very excited about our newest Martha Stewart community with KB Home created especially for mature adults who lead active lives,” said Martha Stewart. “As in all of our communities,... 

L.A.’s First Solar-Powered, All-Green Urban Community Premieres in Hollywood

Utility costs may be rising, but utility rates will remain at an all-time low at one eco-friendly Southern California community. The Gatsby Hollywood has announced it will be Metro L.A.’s first all solar-powered, all-green urban community. The enclave is now under construction on the corner of Hollywood’s Fountain and Wilcox Avenues. A first for the area, the all-new, single-family-home community offers premier sun-powered features and... 

GE Announces Program to Partner with Utilities to Reshape Energy Usage, Help Consumers Save Money

GE Consumer & Industrial announced today that it is introducing a program that will provide the next step in home energy cost savings for consumers while helping utility companies better manage the demand for energy during peak energy usage times. “Now that ENERGY STAR® appliances are recognized by 75 percent of American consumers, the next step is to reshape when energy is being used,” said Kevin Nolan, Vice President Technology for GE... 

Shea Homes Becomes First National Builder to Make Solar Power Systems an Included Option on New Homes

Victoria Gardens by Shea Homes announced today that solar power systems will be an included optional feature on its Shea Green Certified (TM) homes, beginning immediately. As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce the cost of home ownership and improve environmental performance, Victoria Gardens teamed up with BP Solar, a global leader in solar energy, to offer solar panels at no additional cost and reduce electric bills by up to 60 percent per... 

CHOICE Homes Receives Oncor’s Excellence in Energy Performance Award

Choice Homes was recently honored with the 2008 Excellence in Energy Award from Oncor Energy. This prestigious award recognizes elite homebuilders who are raising the standard of energy efficient home construction in Texas. Choice Homes was the highest ranking winner in its HERS index rating category and was one of only five winners selected from a group of more than 75 homebuilders. Choice Homes has also satisfied the requirements necessary to be... 

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen offers Five Tips for Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget

It’s the height of remodeling season during a weak economy, which is a tough combination for homeowners needing to make upgrades to their kitchen. This summer, things are heating up as people debate a costly home improvement that also offers one of the best returns on investment. To help, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen offers these five tips for kitchen updates that look good and also make “cents.” 1. Granite counters: Look for thinner... 

The Galleries at Turney Designed by [merz] project

The Galleries at Turney is the first new residential project in Arizona to achieve LEED-H certification. Located near the Biltmore shopping area, The Galleries consists of eight residences in a quiet gated enclave with spectacular views of the downtown Phoenix skyline and the surrounding natural beauty of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve.