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Mark has been a teacher, lecturer and consultant to the green building industry for more than 25 years. He helps builders and manufacturers put building science to work, creating high-performance homes that are more durable, energy-efficient, cost-effective and more enjoyable to live in.
News from the Field

Monday, January 28, 2008

Production Builders Can Still Be Innovative

DR Horton is one of the largest builders in the country. I've been working with their Sacramento Division for over 5 years and they are building some of the most innovative housing available. They are also implementing some of the best new marketing ideas I've seen.

A few of their communities qualify for the LEED for Homes Silver designation, one of them meets the American Lung Association Health House criteria, and they all exceed California Title 24 by at least 15%, some by as much as 50%. All their homes also meet Energy Star guidelines. Horton has even created a solar community called Provence, in which every home has a photovoltaic system.



The Sacramento Division is using touch-screen televisions to educate prospective buyers about what they should be looking for in the home-buying process.

Innovation is happening everywhere in the home building business. Regardless of where you are in the housing industry, and how the downturn is affecting you, this division of DR Horton is demonstrating a path to innovation. When the market returns to a better place, they'll be well positioned to capture tomorrow's more knowledgeable, more cautious and more demanding homeowners.