| Austin's first, solar eco responsible neighborhood, the | | | | large, exterior decks, while some of the |
| Las Casas Verdes Development, will feature the | | | | environmentally sensitive features of each home will |
| latest in solar, wind and water energy technologies, | | | | include a 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for electrical |
| and will be the first of its kind in Texas. | | | | generation and Solar Thermal Panels for hot water. |
| Located on approximately three acres in Southwest | | | | Just some of the other energy-saving features of |
| Austin, near the corner of Longview Road and | | | | the Las Casas Verdes Development include:o A |
| Cameron Loop off Brodie Lane, the Las Casas | | | | complete solar power system with an inverter and a |
| Verdes Development will enjoy a convenient, central | | | | reversing meter for selling excess power back to the |
| location, with nearby shopping centers and mass | | | | public grido Optional batteries for on-site energy |
| transit routes located less than one mile away. The | | | | storageo Passive solar design systems to best |
| current demographic of the area includes | | | | manage sunlighto Design features, such as |
| middle-income, single-family homes with nearby parks | | | | overhangs, porches and shade tree, will reduce heat |
| and hiking and biking trails. This area also has a nice | | | | load by providing shade.o Heat chimneys, operable |
| view of the nearby greenbelt. | | | | awning windows and landscape features, combined |
| Twenty, single-family, architecturally designed homes | | | | with natural breezes, will allow for adequate air |
| will be included in the Las Casas Verdes | | | | circulation throughout the home with little or no |
| Development, and all of the homes will meet the | | | | mechanical assistance.o Rainwater collection systems |
| strict standards of the Austin Green Building Program, | | | | will gather water for use in landscaping and toilets.o |
| Energy Star and LEEDS certifications. | | | | Structural insulated panels, which are prefabricated |
| Each home will be custom designed in a Texas farm | | | | wall and roof panels, will frame the exteriors of the |
| cottage style and will encompass 1,800 square feet | | | | homes for superior insulation, faster construction |
| of living space. Although each home will have an | | | | times and less construction waste.o Heating and |
| overall design concept and architectural detailing, | | | | cooling systems with sealed air ducts per Energy Star |
| styling and character will differentiate the homes | | | | specificationso A properly sized 14+ SEER ratingo |
| from one another. | | | | Heat recirculation HVAC ducts which will reuse |
| The Las Casas Verdes Development developers | | | | pre-heated air during the winter months.o An in-duct |
| have included just twenty homes in an effort to | | | | dehumidification systemo Low VOC paints, reflected |
| concentrate on the quality of the homes. The homes | | | | metal roofs and recycled building materialso |
| will focus on the comfort and features of today's | | | | Recirculation hot water systems will provide |
| lifestyles, yet will all boast energy and money-saving | | | | immediate hot water.o Multi-speed fans motors and |
| benefits. | | | | duct controllers will heat and cool only the occupied |
| For example, some of the comfort features of each | | | | portions of the home at any given time. |
| home will include a media room, an office alcove and | | | | |