Local builders named in top 15 for sustainable homes

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) released its list of the top 15 builders in the state for sustainable home construction, and three local companies made the cut.

Neal Communities, Taylor Morrison Homes and Lee Wetherington Homes will be recognized at the GreenTrends conference in November in Orlando for being among the state’s top green homes, according to a press release by FBGC. The 15 were chosen out of about 475 builders across the state.

To be a certified sustainable home by FGBC, builders have to complete a building assessment and construction process that reduces negative environmental impacts, lowers utility costs and raises the quality of life to the homeowner.

Some construction standards include a solar pool heating system, use of native vegetation and light-colored exterior or interior walls to reduce heat inside the home and reduce electricity.

“We are extremely pleased to be recognized by the FGBC for our continued dedication to protecting Florida’s natural resources and building green,” Mike Storey, president of Neal Communities, said in an email. “We continually seek opportunities that follow the philosophy of considering the land first to maintain it for future generations and integrating our homes peacefully with the environment.”

FGCB will announce the ranking of the top builders at the conference Nov. 13.