Equus Announces New Energy Star Home Community

By Lisa Iannucci, Green Building CorrespondentPhoenix–Equus Development Corp. is working to certify their newest community, Las Piedras Townhomes, under the Energy Star Qualified New Homes program. The community is currently under construction and Equus has hired DR Wastchak, an independent firm in Tempe, Ariz., to conduct testing for certification.“Not only is the location a perfect match for work and play, but our future residents will receive the highest value in residential building, with a huge emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability,” says Jon Conelly, designated broker of Equus Realty. “These components combined will guarantee the best living standards and a high investment return for the future.”Las Piedras Townhomes, located in North Phoenix, offers two- and three-bedroom homes starting from the mid $200s.The eco-friendly products and amenities used to build Las Piedras Townhomes will include framing that maximizes insulation performance; insulation installed to stated design R-value; a tightly sealed building envelope; sealed recessed light fixtures; tightly sealed ducts; high-efficiency air conditioners (SEER 14); windows with low-E glass with energy efficient vinyl frames; and Energy Star products. These features will help make the community at least 15 percent more efficient than homes built to the International Energy Conservation Code (IEEC 2006) and are often 20 to 30 percent more efficient.Equus is also the developer of Los Paseos Townhomes (pictured), the sister community of Las Piedras Townhomes.