Using a building
systems approach, the Tucson Division of Pulte Homes are constructing Five Star homes that
reduce utility bills by 30% without significantly increasing the cost of building a home.
The Pulte Five Star Homes are certified under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building
America Program and EPA’s ENERGY STAR Homes Program.
According to Andy Pedersen, Manager of Strategic Marketing of
Pulte Homes, "Pulte Home Corporation is a strong believer in consumer
research." To gauge consumer demand for energy efficient homes the Tucson Division
included questions on energy efficiency on three sperate consumer surveys: The Buyers
Study, which focused on the new construction and resale markets. The Options
and Design Study, which investigated consumer perceptions of elements in new
homes. And Pulte’s Homeowner Survey, which asked Pulte consumers about
their purchase decisions. The surveys found solid consumer demand for energy efficiency in
new homes. The following is a summary of the results of Pulte Home’s surveys:
"In the decision to purchase a Pulte Home how important
was energy efficiency?"
| Very Important |
55% |
| Important |
33% |
| Somewhat
Important |
10% |
| Not
Important |
2% |
"If a builder could save you $300 a year in future
heating and cooling by adding an energy package would you spend the money?"
| Yes, would spend
$1,200-$1,500 |
66.9% |
| Yes,
would spend $1,500-$2,000 |
17.7% |
| No |
12.4% |
"Importance levels of issues related to decision to
purchase Pule Homes"
| Interior Design |
91.0% |
| ENERGY
EFFICIENCY |
88.7% |
| Builder Reputation |
87.6% |
| Kitchen
Lay-out |
87.3% |
| Bedroom
Lay-out |
85.2% |
| Kitchen
Open to Family Room |
82.2% |
| Exterior
Design |
81.0% |
| Sales
Person |
76.7% |
| Split
Bedroom Lay-out |
75.0% |
| Lot
Size |
71.8% |
| Pulte
Protection Plan |
71.4% |
| Bonus
Room |
56.8% |
| Availability
of Home |
50.4% |
| Formal
Living & Dining Areas |
49.2% |
