As far as major residential developers go, Meritage Homes is making some strides when it comes to green building.

First, back in January of 2010, it became the first national homebuilder to exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star qualification requirements in every home. Then it launched new homes in Arizona said to be 40-80% more efficient than the average residence. Now, Meritage has announced the launch of its first energy saving homes in the Houston, Texas, area, at Cinco Ranch in Katy.

image via Meritage Homes

Green features of these new homes include spray foam insulation, double low-e vinyl windows, energy efficient lighting (CFLs), water-saving plumbing fixtures, and 14 SEER  air conditioning units.

According to Meritage Homes, the homes at Cinco Ranch range from just over 1,500 square feet to over 2,500 square feet, start at $173,990, and can save new home owners up to 58% in energy use as compared to existing homes.

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