Premier Homes Brings the First Standard “Zero Energy” Community to Sacramento

March 16, 2004 - Sacramento, CA—Premier Homes is now selling the first standard “zero energy” community of its kind in the Sacramento region—Premier Gardens. By partnering with some of the industry’s leading experts in energy-efficiency including the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), ConSol and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Premier Gardens is designed to save homebuyers up to 60 percent on utility costs. Consisting exclusively of “Zero Energy Homes” (ZEH), this community combines innovative construction and energy-efficient appliances with renewable energy systems such as on-demand water heating and solar electricity to create a home that is not only energy-efficient but produces its own electricity. Branded as a “Premier ProEnergy Community,” Premier Gardens is the first of its kind to offer entry-level buyers so many energy features as part of the standard package. Offering five unique designs and 15 distinctive elevations ranging in size from 1,285 to 2,248 square feet, Premier Gardens is conveniently located off Bradshaw and Goethe Roads and is affordably priced from the mid $200,000s.

“We are excited to bring the first standard “zero energy” community to Sacramento and we are confident buyers will be amazed at the savings,” said Kevin Yttrup, president of Premier Homes. “Premier Gardens is a unique opportunity for first-time homebuyers to live in an extremely energy-efficient home that will provide them with a solid value both now and in the years to come.”

"Premier's commitment to building affordable homes that are super energy-efficient combined with renewables distinguishes them from most other builders,” said Rob Hammon, principal of ConSol and Premier’s lead consultant on the Zero Energy Homes Program. “Their level of participation in promoting environmentally responsible construction speaks highly of them."

The homes at Premier Gardens will be certified as both a SMUD Solar Advantage Home and an Advantage Home, which means the homes exceed the current California Title 24 energy cooling requirements—some of the most stringent in the nation—by 50 percent. In addition, the homes will receive a Home Energy Rating that independently verifies their energy-efficiency, which according to Premier Homes will enhance the resale value of the homes.

"Zero Energy Homes provide multiple benefits -- lower energy bills for the homeowner and reduced energy demand on hot summer days when electricity is more expensive and the power grid most utilized," said Paul Bender, SMUD manager of power production. "SMUD is proud to be involved with bringing the first community of its kind to Sacramento homebuyers."

Each “Premier ProEnergy” home is designed with cutting edge energy technologies that will be independently inspected for quality and performance. Using ComfortWise construction protocols and features, each home qualifies for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ENERGY STAR® Homes national program. Specific energy-efficiency features include: a 2 kW AC solar electric home power system, a tankless water heater that produces 6.5 gallons of hot water per minute, a mechanically designed heating and air conditioning system, spectrally selective glass windows, and tightly sealed air ducts.

Experiencing brisk sales in the preliminary stages, designs at the highly successful Premier Gardens offer four single and one two-story plans, with up to five bedrooms and three baths. Spacious floorplans offer several flexible options including dens, bonus rooms and a workshop. These distinctive designs offer spacious interiors featuring ceramic tile entries, vaulted ceilings, and fans in both the master suite and family room. Inviting gas fireplaces with ceramic tile surrounds and sculpted mantels, oak stair rails (in two-story plan), alarm system pre-wire, upgraded rocker switches, china sinks, overhead lighting in secondary bedrooms, decorator-selected lighting fixtures, and unique ceiling details are all included features.

Outside, homebuyers will find fully enclosed two, three, or four-car garages with steel sectional roll-up doors. Homes come with full front yard landscaping, automatic sprinklers and side and rear fencing. Tile roofs, front porches, charming window shutters, designer-selected three-color paint schemes, and a unique use of included masonry accents complement these attractive exteriors.

Premier Gardens’ convenient location puts it within close proximity to several of the region’s most popular recreational and shopping opportunities including parks, golf, the American River and the Folsom Premium Outlets. Easy freeway access makes for added convenience, offering a direct route to Sacramento, the Bay Area and the Sierras. Also adjacent to the community is an elementary school along with the middle and high schools nearby.

To reach Premier Gardens take Hwy. 50 to Bradshaw Rd. south. Make a right on Goethe Rd. The sales center is open daily from 10-5 p.m. For more information please call (916) 361-7171.

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