Newcastle Homes Is Setting the Standard for Homes of the Future in the Coastal Bend

Newcastle Homes in Corpus Christi, Texas, an early pioneer of the use of solar panels and other renewable energy systems, is on the path to a new milestone: building the first “Zero Energy Ready Home” in the Coastal Bend. From Day One, John Pope, founder of Newcastle Homes, has been committed to both energy efficiency and sustainable construction to save customers money and protect the earth’s resources. When the BUILT TO SAVE™ program (www.builttosave.org), which provides certifications to homes built to above-code requirements, became available in the area, John Pope was one of the first to join and begin certifying his homes as BUILT TO SAVE™. It is no surprise then that Newcastle Homes will move forward and introduce the Zero Energy Ready Home program to the Coastal Bend of South Texas.

A Zero Energy Ready Home  (ZERH) certified by the DOE is among the most energy efficient homes on earth, and in addition to being up to 40% and 50% more efficient than a similar home built to standard codes, a ZERH provides the utmost levels of excellence in areas of comfort, indoor air quality, healthy living, and durability. The best news regarding utility savings is that once a home is connected to renewable energy systems like solar panels, for example, the cost for energy in the home can be zero—hence the name “Zero Energy.” Visit energy.gov for case study examples of how owners of Zero Energy Ready Homes can save over a hundred thousand dollars on utility costs over the life of a 30-year mortgage.