Las Vegas homebuilders are getting increasingly savvy about eco-friendly measures that not only cut down your energy bill but also help save the environment. These green building measures ensure sustainable neighborhood designs, water conservation, and indoor environment quality. While energy-saving appliances are now coming standard in new construction homes, they aren’t the only measure developers are taking to improve the environment. Here are five eco-friendly innovations you’ll find in new construction homes and communities in Las Vegas. 

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Desert landscaping 

While you may be familiar with desert landscaping, drought-tolerant design goes beyond eliminating grass by preserving existing wildlife corridors and arroyos. With the help of local Boy Scouts, Mountain’s Edge harvested 10,000 native plants for the community and encouraged the use of these plants in residents’ yards. Also, due to its proximity to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Summerlin strives to protect the park by preserving natural drainage areas and recycling water on the golf course. 

Drought-tolerant landscaping also lends itself well to the walking trails at master-planned communities throughout the Valley. Since residents walk within the existing arroyos, drainage areas, and dry river beds, communities create safer, more sustainable walking trails that preserve natural topography. Cadence in Henderson has 450 acres of open space with walking trails throughout the development. 

Energy-Saving Appliances

Modern kitchen

Energy-saving appliances work double-time in Las Vegas master-planned communities by both saving water and cutting down on electricity costs. Homes built by Lennar Homes in the Rose Ridge development come standard with several energy-saving measures like EnergyStar dishwashers and energy-efficient air conditioners.

In Summerlin, homebuilders like KB Home install low-water-use toilets, faucets, and showerheads, hot water recirculating systems, and efficient water softeners. KB Home was also helping to develop the Southern Nevada Water Authority smart guidelines, which requires that toilets can only use 1.6 gallons per flush, and faucets can only use 2.2 gallons per minute. This is part of the reason why all pools in Summerlin drain into the sanitary sewer system and not the street.

Solar Design

Workers tinting a glass house window

Because Las Vegas gets so hot in the summer, many homebuilders throughout the Valley install tinted windows or low-energy windows that lessen the heat a house can absorb. As a general rule, homebuilders also prioritize solar design by situating homes to keep out heat but still let in light. By strategizing the position of windows and adding screens and overhangs when necessary, residents can expect lower air conditioning bills. 

Solar Panels

Solar panels on home

Although many communities in Las Vegas don’t come with solar panels, several communities are making it easier to install them. Builders like Blue Heron set up their homes for solar power generation by providing the necessary hookups to install solar panels. They also insulate walls, attic spaces, and rooftops with foam to reduce energy bills. 

Lennar Homes offers its new construction homes with these solar panels including packages from SunStreet Energy Group. Cadence also offers rooftop solar panels as an upgrade. However, because of changing regulatory measures on solar panels and problems with energy monopoly, it may be awhile before Las Vegas gets more innovation in this area. 

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Street light against twilight

Summerlin has pollution-minimizing light fixtures around the community to cut down on costs and improve energy usage. Cadence, like many communities around the Valley, has motion-sensing LEDs along the sidewalk that only use 30 percent of their power unless residents come within 20 feet of the lights.