(SACRAMENTO, CA) June 5, 2007 – Treasure Homes, one of Sacramento’s most innovative homebuilders, was recently awarded the Clean Air Champion Business Award for its leadership in delivering zero energy consumption homes in Natomas.  Its award winning project, Fallen Leaf at Riverbend, aims to reduce residential homeowners’ utility bills by 60%, thus dramatically improving air quality.

The fourth phase at the zero energy development has just been released, marking the final phase of the Natomas community.  The final eight homes are now available for reservation with move in as soon as June.  The builder will be hosting a solar education event on June 23rd from 11am to 2pm where the public is invited to learn more about zero energy homes and the SMUD Solar Smart HomesTM program. 

Treasure Homes partnered with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to open Fallen Leaf, making it the first Zero Energy Home community in Sacramento. Complete with solar paneling and a slew of other energy saving features, residents here have the unique opportunity to actually receive a check back from SMUD each month, instead of a bill for their electricity use. By incorporating built-in energy efficient components and state-of-the-art renewable energy sources, these homes reduce the homeowner’s utility costs and help protect the environment. 

“Now that our homeowners are moved in and settled we are really seeing results in the form of energy conservation,” explains Jim Bayless, president of Treasure Homes. “Not only do our homeowners feel good about what they are doing for our environment, but they are seeing a direct benefit to their pocketbooks. Some even wave me down each month to show me their unbelievably low utility bills.”

The project has also been named a California Green Builder Community, a designation awarded by the California Building Industry Association, which recognizes that Treasure Homes is using energy-saving components that will lead to quantifiable environmental savings.  California Green Builders must incorporate higher energy efficiency standards, home water and wood conservation, advanced ventilation design and installation, as well as waste diversion and recycling techniques into their communities.

Fallen Leaf at Riverbend offers four different floor plans ranging in size from 1,026 to 2,271 square feet with the primary energy saving feature being the low profile solar paneling system. These solar panels are nearly invisible on the roof, virtually maintenance-free and offer a 25-year warranty.

But the solar panel system isn’t the only energy saving and environmentally friendly feature in these homes. A short list includes:

• Dual flushing toilets that can save up to 20,000 gallons of water a year
• Radiant heat barrier which can reduce energy consumption up to 35% during peak hours
• Tankless water heater – saves up to 50% in energy costs compared with traditional water heaters
• GE Energy Star appliances
• Long lasting, energy efficient lighting
• Enhanced exterior moisture control with vapor barrier membrane
• Super-efficient, dual paned windows with specially coated “Solarban” glazing to reduce radiant heat gain
• Gas fireplaces that burn cleanly and efficiently without generating airborne particulates
• Total wall insulation
• Non-toxic insect and mold deterrents

To visit Fallen Leaf at Riverbend, exit Interstate 5 at W. El Camino and go west to Orchard. Turn left onto Soaring Hawk Lane.  From Interstate 80, exit W. El Camino and go east to Orchard and turn right.  The sales office is open everyday from 10am to 6pm.  For more information call Jake Allen at (916) 923-3770.

About Treasure Homes
Based in Roseville, California, Treasure Homes is a privately held residential development and home building company established in 1999. The company’s primary focus is on building homes for first-time buyers, a much neglected market today, and comfortable move-up homes throughout the greater Sacramento Area and surrounding Northern California communities. Treasure Homes’ objectives are to deal honestly and fairly with home buyers and suppliers, and build innovative homes at an outstanding value with lasting quality.

The success of any business directly reflects the collective efforts and skills of its staff and craftsmen.  Treasure Homes is characterized by people of integrity with high standards of excellence. Our commitment, resources and communication are essential to attaining those objectives. For more information on Treasure Homes, visit www.TreasureHomes.com.