More and more, people want to plan environmentally-responsible landscaping. That can mean choosing plants that are native to the area or that will reduce your water use. Another area that is receiving attention is selecting hardscapes – patios and paths – that allow rain water to flow through them to the ground.

As you plan your yard space, it’s worth exploring the increasing number of permeable options. This is not only about taking a better environmental stand, it also helps with your yard’s drainage.

This is a simple and inviting approach to permeable areas. Combining gravel with some tiles or pavers provides a way to create inviting outdoor living areas at a reasonable price without damaging your yard’s drainage patterns.

If you would rather have a solid surface, there are permeable pavers in a number of appealing designs. You could also reverse this look, with larger squares of stone separated by narrow bands of loose gravel. This would give the water places to go while still giving you the outdoor surface you want.

This spa in Bali makes the most of the natural plants and character of the area to create an inviting spot to rest and relax. When you’re ready to explore your outdoor surface options, consider permeability and drainage in your plans.

Arizona’s Largest Privately Owned Homebuilder Built 16.8 % of all Energy Star Qualified New Homes in Phoenix During the Past Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its Energy Star rankings for homebuilders in the Phoenix metropolitan market and Fulton Homes ranked second highest on the list. From July 2009 to June 2010, Fulton Homes closed 544 Energy Star Qualified homes, 16.8% of all Energy Star homes in the Valley of the Sun. Only the combined companies of Pulte, Del Webb and Centex built more.

To earn the Energy Star qualification, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA, making them 20 to 30% more energy efficient than standard homes. Homes achieve this level of performance through a combination of energy-efficient improvement, including efficient insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star Qualified lighting and appliances. To ensure that a home meets Energy Star guidelines, third-party verification by a certified Home Energy Rater (or equivalent) is required. This energy specialist works closely with builders like Fulton Homes throughout the construction process to help determine the needed energy-saving equipment and required construction techniques. They also conduct on-site diagnostic testing and inspections to document that the home is eligible to earn the Energy Star label.

“We’re proud of this designation; helping our community save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and technologies, while incorporating the latest building practices” remarked Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations for Fulton Homes. “Our customers want more energy efficient homes and through our contemporary designs and work with our trade partners, we’ve designed homes that meet the strict criteria of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. All of the homes in our new communities are 100% Energy Star Qualified homes. ”

In addition to helping consumers save money on heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA, Energy Star Qualified homes built nationally in 2009 are the equivalent of:

• Eliminating emissions from 52,132 vehicles
• Saving 315,345,888 pounds of coal
• Planting 86,178 acres of trees
• Saving the environment 618,456,696 pounds of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Join us in celebrating our newest achievement in energy efficiecy. Fulton Homes is the first and only builder in Arizona to earn a ENERGY STAR version 3 rating on all new-built floorplans at all of our Valley communities.


Q: What is Energy Star?

A: Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Fulton Homes is proud that 100% of our new-built homes are certified compliant with Energy Star version 3.

Q: What does a Fulton Homes Energy Star v3 Certified Home mean to me?

A: A Fulton Homes Energy Star Certified Home means you can rest assured that you are doing the most to protect the environment and your pocketbook.  An Energy Star Certified Home uses the latest building practices and technologies to ensure that your new home is energy efficient and comfortable. Fulton Homes Energy Star v3 Certified Homes include:

Lousiana Pacific Tech Shield Radiant Barrier – deflects heat away from attic High-performance Vinyl Windows (minimum of .35 & .25) – reduces UV rays from entering home 14 SEER Carrier Air Conditioner – excellent cooling and energy efficiency Merv 6 Return Air Filters – helps A/C unit run more smoothly Outside Air Exchange Fan – tight construction requires precise fresh air exchange Drywall Caulking at Top Plate – further seals and insulates home Minimum 10% Bulbs to be CFL – longer lasting and saves electricity Foam Seal on All Exterior Doors – reduces air leakage Gas Water Heater with .58 to .62 Efficiency Rating – saves on water heating costs For more information about the energy saving features in our homes, please contact a Fulton Homes sales associate or visit one of our exciting Valley Communities.

As part of giving back to the community, Fulton Homes has created a Fulton Cares section which highlights the many ways in which we are building energy efficient homes, and helping the environment at the same time.

At Fulton Homes, we use energy efficient building processes that make the homes we build today far more efficient than those of just 3-4 years ago.    The homes built today are far more efficient and cost less to operate than used homes.  Below is one of  the examples showing how Fulton Cares.

Moen Addresses Enviromental Concerns With New Water Saving Showerhead

• Moen’s new Water Saving showerheads have a flow of 1.75 gallons per minute, offering a 30 percent water savings from the industry-standard 2.5 gallons per minute showerheads. Not only is this savings significant in reducing water consumption, but it also reduces energy costs as less hot water is used.
• Inclusion of the new showerhead allows builders to receive maximum points for water reduction under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.
• The enhanced spray uses less water, conserving precious resources, while providing an enjoyable and satisfying shower experience.
• Unlike some low-flow showerheads that simply restrict the water flow, Moen’s Water Saving showerhead features an optimized spray pattern to preserve the powerful stream that consumers are accustomed to from full-flow showerheads.
• To meet the design needs of savvy consumers, hotel designers or multi-family property managers, Moen’s new Water Saving showerheads are available in popular finishes such as, Chrome, LifeShine® Brushed Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze to coordinate with bathroom faucets and accessories.

As part of giving back to the community, Fulton Homes has created a Fulton Cares section which highlights the many ways in which we are building energy efficient homes, and helping the environment at the same time.

At Fulton Homes, we use energy efficient building processes that make the homes we build today far more efficient than those of just 3-4 years ago.  We have a Power Wise certification from a third party testing group in all of our east valley homes.  We use 13-14 SEER AC units in all of our homes, Low-E windows, higher insulation, and most of our appliances are Energy Star certified.  The homes built today are far more efficient and cost less to operate than used homes.  Take a look at the items below to see how Fulton Cares.

• Energy Efficient GE Appliances
• Shaw Flooring Recycling Program
• Masonite Doors
• Kohler Bath Fixtures
• Moen Bath Fixtures
• SRP PowerWise Homes
• Trane Clean Effects
• Fulton Homes Lumber Recycling
• Fulton Homes Insulation Program
• Fulton Homes HVAC Systems

Click here to read more about our ENERGY STAR participation.

ENERGY STAR recently sent us a letter of thanks for our continued partnership with them. By building ENERGY STAR qualified homes, we are doing our part to help protect the environment while offering consumers new homes that are more comfortable and save money on utility bills.

Fulton Homes has built a total of 287 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes in 2009. This is equivalent to:

Based on the number of qualified homes we built last year, we have been informed that we qualify for the ENERGY STAR for Homes Leadership in Housing Award We are very proud to receive this award!

How many ENERGY STAR appliances do you have in your home?