Centex Corporation (Centex) said that the construction on Centex Energy Advantage homes across the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is in progress. It is anticipated that these homes will reduce around 30 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the first year of occupancy. According to National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Centex Energy Advantage homes are up to 22% more energy efficient than other new homes built.

According to NABH, each Centex Energy Advantage home avoids 1.78 fewer metric tons of carbon per year when compared to other new home, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from the family automobile over four months, or the CO2 emissions from about 183 gallons of gasoline consumed.

The first Centex Energy Advantage home in Raleigh is located in the Harrington Point neighborhood near Leesville and is planned for delivery in May 2009.

The energy efficiency of these homes draws customers to our neighborhoods with a compelling reason to buy a new Centex home instead of an older home. Centex Energy Advantage is the nation’s most comprehensive suite of efficiency features, included as standard at no extra cost, said Ronny Salameh, division president for Centex Homes in North Carolina. But a homeowner would spend thousands of dollars in after-market costs for these upgrades on their own. Considering the reduced greenhouse gas emissions over time, these homes are good for the whole community, not just their owners.

According to a study conducted by U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program, the Centex Energy Advantage homes shown to be up to 40% more energy efficient, when compared to a typical 10-year-old home.

Features of the Centex Energy Advantage standard package in the Raleigh area include:

Energy monitor: real-time information about electricity usage and expense can lead to a 4-15 percent reduction in electricity use;

Whirlpool or KitchenAid brand ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.

Lennox high-efficiency HVAC system.

Programmable thermostat.

Low-emissivity windows.

R-49 attic insulation.

Compact fluorescent lights in high-traffic areas.

Information for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing the impact of home operation on the environment.