Cast of Characters

Innovative new products included a hybrid spray foam that insulates while sealing air leaks, integrated solar roofing panels that replace traditional shingles, and appliances that are designed to hook into a smart grid.

I was quite taken by the changing cast of characters seated at the green table. I can't recall seeing a booth that didn't have some kind of green message, and I've never heard the words "green" and "production builders" used more often together than I did last week.

Many manufacturers are already considering the business implications of the production builders adopting green building products and practices. Even if housing starts remain down, the demand for green products by the production builders will drive increased production, augment investment in new products, and reduce prices, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of increased adoption for those green products.

Savvy manufacturers are already beginning to phase out traditional product lines in favor of green ones that will meet changing codes, regulations, and consumer demand.

While the sustainability equation cannot be solved by the production builders alone, I was encouraged by the progress that is being made in that sector of the market.

For example, Pulte Las Vegas showcased their Villa Trieste project, a green community that aims to reduce energy demand by 60% over traditional residential communities. And two senior executives at K. Hovnanian Homes shared information with me about steps that they are taking toward enhanced sustainability, including using green products and practices that will help them achieve up to 50% home performance improvement.

Of course, it is paramount that each of us continues to push the boulder uphill and positively affect our own sphere of influence, regardless of the market sector or size of our companies. To that extent, Green Builder Media, in conjunction with partners Building Media, Department of Energy, Energy Star, Steven Winter & Associates, and Ecos Interiors by Pat Gaylor, put our best foot forward with our ReVISION Vegas project—a green retrofit of an 1,800-square-foot 1960s house that embodies this moment of "Green Responsugality" (an ethic of sustainability blended with equal parts of responsibility and frugality).

Our goal was to create a net-zero-energy home. We're delighted to say that the house went beyond net zero—between the performance improvements and the solar systems, the house received a negative 2 HERS rating, meaning that it produces more energy than it uses. We hope that the ReVISION Vegas project can serve as a model for the typical American family to implement significant, affordable green upgrades.

For more information about the ReVISION Vegas, visit our website at www.greenbuildermag.com or read the latest article about the home in the digital version of Green Builder magazine.