Propane Fuels "Green Building"

The push for "green building” has developers going to the ends of the earth—or at least closer to them. From desert valleys to rocky peaks, eco-friendly homes are sprouting up, drawing their power from the sun, wind, water, propane, and other safe and renewable resources. Once thought impossible, these residences are giving consumers a viable alternative for homesteads, saving the earth's valuable resources and saving even more in energy bills.

Propane provides a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly energy source to heat a home and water, and fuel fireplaces, appliances, and various other parts of the home and hearth. In addition to its cost-effectiveness and domestic abundance, its portability makes it the perfect option for servicing the power needs of remote locations.

These factors have certainly played a part in the novel concept homes that are now charting new terrain. Alternative housing is becoming mainstream, with 8% of the population dwelling in factory-built homes—a prime marketplace for environmentally conscious construction. Propane is taking on a valuable role in these developments. From kitchen appliances to tankless water heaters and ventless fireplaces, propane is a fuel of choice for builders supporting green thinking everywhere.

Marmol Radziner Prefab, one of the nation's premier green home design-build companies, has installed propane appliances in about 40% of its homes. That number will grow as building continues in its state-of-the-art factory launched in 2005—a unit that plans, designs, and builds environmentally friendly housing. In addition to propane's ready availability at sites with no natural gas access, its utility and low greenhouse gas emissions make it a perfect complement to the firm's philosophy. Propane is behind the scenes in such unique projects as a solar-powered Desert House prototype and a remotely located Utah House.

The decision to use propane in Marmol Radziner properties is made in part by homesites' locations. The ease of hookup, efficient usage, and value to consumers are added benefits.

"Propane power enables us to deliver on the gold standard of green building while ensuring maximum utility and livability at virtually any location." commented Sam Fox, Sales Representative for Marmol Radziner Prefab. "Plus, it gives homeowners in more isolated areas greater peace of mind. The Utah House includes a buried propane tank to power the backup generator and stove." Such reliability in support systems is even more valuable in the Desert House prototype and Utah House since they are vacation homes that are not used continuously throughout the year.

In Marmol Radziner's developments, Energy Star-rated furnishings, such as propane-powered kitchen appliances, central heating systems, and tankless water heaters lower utility usage by 20–30%. "By offering high-end EnergyStar appliances, we are adding efficiency along with visual appeal to the home's interior. When powered by propane, these systems can also support greater savings in overall energy costs," added Fox.

Other appliances including tankless water heaters take the green concept even further. Since they generate hot water only as needed, they consume less energy and require lower maintenance—an added benefit in periodically inhabited units. And with smaller footprints in the homes, these systems are easier to tuck away, increasing the home's actual living space.

As the popularity of eco-friendly housing continues to rise, more consumers will be creating their own unique residences and vacation spots while taking advantage of builder features that increase efficiency, utility, and resourcefulness to better preserve the earth.

With propane's help, the definition of the American Dream is changing. It is turning green.