With all of the focus on Earth Day and living “green” over the past month, it only made sense to continue our tradition of theming the May issue of Builder and Developer on building green and sustainable homes. With that theme in mind, I set out to profile two amazing examples of successful green communities.

I also want to take a second to remind all of our readers that the magazine and past issues are available online in their entirety. Not only that, but we have each story linked and live so that if you see a product that interests you, click on it and you will be directed to that product maker’s website. This is true for everything in the magazine from columnists, to projects, to advertisers and for the product showcase. The spring issues of our sister publications are out now or will be coming to in the mail shortly and I recommend taking a look at what each has to offer. If you’re having a problem with your subscription, please go to our website and update your address and contact information as hard copies of the magazine are only mailed to those in the industry who request them.

Next up, it’s on to PCBC, and one of the biggest issues that Builder and Developer puts out each year. The June issue will take a hard look at surviving and thriving in the industry as it stands today, with examples of successful builders and advice from columnists who understand the market from a number of different perspectives. The July issue will be our 200th, followed by our second look at sustainable and green themes in the August B&D.

Be sure and come by and visit our booth at
PCBC in San Francisco June 25th.

Jenn Sherman
Editor
jsherman@penpubinc.com

Blue Star Corner lofts brings sustainable modern urban design to the Bay Area. Influenced by Amsterdam’s Borneo- Sporenburg and Java communities, the project allows new homeowners to live a domestic, yet urban and sustainable lifestyle. Holliday Development volunteered Blue Star Corner as one of nine projects to participate in LEED Green Design Building Rating System for Homes pilot program. Each of the twenty homes received their own LEED certification.

Located in San Jose, Calif., Falcon Place and Orchard heights communities, by Pinn Bros., are the city’s first solar powered and LEED certified single-family neighborhoods. The solar powered homes reduce greenhouse gases by 6.6 million pounds, the equivalent of driving a car around the earth 240 times. The energy-saving features included in the homes result in a project that is 35 percent above California’s Title 24 Energy Standards. We have included an expanded version of our yearly utilities “green program” updates which includes not just the incentives and programs available to builders and home owners but thoughts from the folks at the utility companies who make the decisions and are involved in bringing these programs to fruition.

This month, Builder and Developer had the
opportunity to interview David Pitts, president
of John Laing Homes, Los Angeles/Ventura
Division, who shared with us his plans for
continuing the company’s success as one of the
most recognized names in the building industry.