Socially responsible investment fund Calvert rated the top dozen publicly funded homebuilders in the nation based on their sustainability. Only KB Homes of Los Angeles, which has has built 15,000 Energy Star rated homes, impressed.

On a positive note, some homebuilders studied have set ambitious green building goals for the future. Sadly, the builders haven't substantially launched these programs yet, nor were any willing to make green building a central principle in their business practice. However, traditional biases against green building materials are changing, in part because builders are forced to keep up with evolving building codes set by states and municipalities.

Calvert hoped that its study, “Greener Pastures for America’s Homebuilders? A Survey of Sustainable Practices by the Homebuilding Industry” would help homebuyers make informed real estate investments and reward sustainable companies. Greenbuilding and renovating is widely considered to be the easiest and highest impact means to carbon reduction and energy efficiency.

Nonetheless, some builders are flatlining on sustainability. The lowest ranked homebuilders register no indication in any media materials that they know of or employ any green building strategies, nor prioritze any environmental protection in their business practices. We’re talking to you, NVR Inc., Standard Pacific, K. Hovnanian and MDC Holdings!