Published: May 01, 2007 04:56 pm      

Area builder receives recognition for Parker County green homes

Special to the Democrat Recently, the nation’s eyes have been on Texas for its demonstration of successful and effective green building. Specifically, Ferrier Custom Homes of Fort Worth has received numerous national awards and recognition in 2007. NBC Nightly News featured Fort Worth builder, Don Ferrier, of Ferrier Custom Homes, and showcased some of his green homes located in Parker County in their Tuesday broadcast. The National Association of Home Builders recognized Ferrier for his achievements at its annual Green Building Conference in March by presenting him with the Green Builder Advocate of the Year award. Ray Tonjes, NAHB Green Building Subcommittee chair and a green builder in Austin, said, “Don Ferrier is a dynamic leader in the national green building movement and the award is well deserved.” Ferrier, a home builder since 1982, said “Building green has been a passion of mine for many years. I appreciate the recognition and believe that green building benefits us all.” In January 2007, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized a Ferrier Custom Homes’ project called “Heather’s Home” located near Lake Weatherford by certifying it with its highest rating, platinum, in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes. LEED for Homes is a USGBC pilot program that evaluates the environmental features of single and multi-family homes. LEED certified homes are designed to be energy efficient, environmentally sound, resource friendly and healthy places for their occupants. Heather’s Home was the first LEED certified home in Texas and only the third platinum rating in the nation. It was also the first home in the nation to be certified under the American Lung Association’s new, more stringent Healthy Home guidelines. In February, Ferrier Custom Homes was awarded the highest award, the GOLD Energy Value Housing Award for a Custom Home in a Hot Climate, by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.