Pulte takes its commitment to the environment seriously and also wants to demonstrate to our homebuyers the importance and value of saving energy and not harming the environment.

Want to know a little-known fact? All model homes at Pulte’s new home communities use those nifty compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in all of their lighting.

According to Chris Naatz, vice president of sales and marketing for the Illinois division of Pulte Homes, “Pulte is continuing its efforts with environmental awareness and action and as a company that takes responsibility for protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprint, we want to be proactive and that’s why we are now using CFLs in all of our model homes in Chicagoland.”

CFLs have some amazing benefits for reducing energy consumption. In addition to the Chicago market, a majority of Pulte Homes’ communities throughout the U.S. are now using compact fluorescent lighting.

CFLs use up to 75-percent less electricity than a traditional incandescent bulb and can last five to ten times longer. CFLs produce roughly 90-percent light and 10-percent heat output, compared to a traditional bulb’s 90-percent heat and 10-percent light. Based on average bulb life expectancy, total savings up to 30-percent can be achieved by using CFLs.

What many buyers may not know is that CFLs come in wide variety of sizes and applications, so every place a regular light bulb has traditionally been used, now an energy-saving CFL bulb can take its place. CFLs are available for recessed lighting, can lights and eyeball fixtures, candle bulbs used in foyer and dining room fixtures, various decorative type bulbs, ceiling and bath fans, plus traditional table lamps and ceiling lights. There are now even special CFLs designed to work with dimmers or three-way fixtures.

“When people tour our models, they will be able to see firsthand how far CFL technology has progressed. The modern CFLs don’t make noise, put out bright white light or soft light just like a traditional light bulb, but run cooler and save an amazing amount of energy. We carefully researched our transition to CFL technology and the payoff in energy savings and in a long term benefit to the environment is substantial,” said Naatz.

In addition to using CFLs, Pulte also has launched several other initiatives that promote a “greener” new home. Some of these energy saving features include right-sized HVAC systems that run for a longer period of time at lower rates of energy consumption, Low-E windows that block out UV light and the sun’s heat, reducing the need for cooling, along with installation of low flow toilets and Energy Star appliances.

Outside the home, Pulte also promotes sustainability with preservation of green spaces within communities, protection of wetlands and sensitive environmental areas and creation of parks and walking trails. In specific markets, Pulte even uses “smart” irrigation systems coupled with low water use plants to conserve water.

Pulte Homes…a greener builder than you thought a few minutes ago!