PHASE 2: LAND DEVELOPMENT Water: To avoid the discharge of any pollutants on the job site and eliminate the potential for these to be washed away by rain, we operate in strict compliance with the Clean Water Act, including the National Pollutant Discharge Eliminate System. Managing hazardous substances: Effectively identifying and managing the safe handling, movement, storage, and disposal of chemicals and other substances that pose a threat to the environment is essential. We monitor and control
wastewater, solid waste and air emissions before disposing in accordance with applicable laws. Continuous improvement and accountability for partners: PulteGroup encourages its trade partners and vendors to continuously reduce waste. Our trade partners and vendors must comply with all applicable environmental laws and immediately alert PulteGroup regarding a spill of hazardous materials or other pollutants on our job sites.
OUR INDUSTRY-LEADING NATIONAL STORM WATER QUALITY PROGRAM INCLUDES IMPROVED RAINWATER MANAGEMENT AND MEASURES TO KEEP DIRT, PAINT, CONCRETE RESIDUE, OILS OR OTHER WASTE FROM LEAVING CONSTRUCTION SITES.
PHASE 3: SETTING AN AGGRESSIVE ENERGY TARGET FOR OUR HOMES
Ten years ago, we maintained a library of 3,500 different floor plans. Today, 78% of 29,000 homes we delivered in 2022 were from approximately 800 commonly managed plans used across multiple communities and markets. These commonly managed plans have been optimized for material content and ease of construction allowing us to deliver high-value homes more efficiently and with less waste. We also know that we can lessen our environmental impact by reducing the energy usage of our homes. For several years, PulteGroup has used the Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) to calculate the energy performance of our homes. The lower the HERS score, the more energy efficient the home and the smaller the carbon footprint over time. In 2022, the average score for PulteGroup homes was 62.7, representing continued consistent results. In response to recent federal legislation, PulteGroup plans to transition away from the HERS score and expand our use of the better-known ENERGY STAR® program to certify the energy efficiency of our homes.
This certification meets strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements and is based on independent inspections and testing by certified professionals. As ENERGY STAR® notes on its website, benefits to home buyers include: • Consistent temperatures and diminished drafts through comprehensive air sealing, quality-installed insulation and high-performance windows. • Energy-efficient lighting and appliances. • A high-efficiency heating, ventilation and cooling system that delivers a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, reducing indoor pollutants. • A comprehensive water management system to protect roofs, walls, and foundations from moisture damage. The bottom line? ENERGY STAR® Certified homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes built to code, and many homeowners will experience a 20% improvement or more. This effort also benefits homeowners when it’s time for them to move, as ENERGY STAR® reports
certified homes or those with similar efficiency measures can expect a 6% boost in their home’s value. For the past few years, we have been assessing how best to measure the energy efficiency of our homes within the shifting landscape of government legislation. Having committed to ENERGY STAR®, PulteGroup is now setting the goal of having 100% of our new homes qualify as ENERGY STAR® Certified by 2025. Achieving ES-100 at PulteGroup will require an investment of people and financial resources to ensure all our homes are designed and built to meet the ENERGY STAR® standards. This action represents our largest commitment to helping lower greenhouse gases and combat climate change. 100% TARGET FOR ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED HOMES BY 2025
2022 ESG REPORT | 10
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