Home Builders Getting Greener
Home builders are beginning to improve their green policies and practices, but they still have a way to go, according to a new study by Calvert Asset Management Co., which specializes in sustainable and responsible investing.

"KB Home has maintained its No. 1 spot in our rankings. Toll Brothers, Meritage, and Standard Pacific have made modest to significant progress since our last review. Overall, the economic crisis has not thwarted many home builders' efforts to become more sustainable companies," says Stu Dalheim, director of shareholder advocacy at Calvert.

The report also noted:

· KB Home is the only large U.S. home builder to produce a comprehensive sustainability report. But Meritage Homes and NVR have made national commitments to building new homes that meet EnergyStar standards.
· In light of SEC interpretive guidance on climate change in early 2010, some home builders are choosing to disclose risks related to climate change through their annual 10-K filings.
· Climate change may increase the home building industry’s vulnerability because uncertain supplies of raw materials, including land.

Calvert ranked home builders according to their green sensibilities:

1. KB Home
2. Pulte Homes
3. Meritage Homes
4. Toll Brothers
5. Lennar
6. DR Horton
7. Standard Pacific
8. NVR
9. Ryland Group
10. MDC Holdings

Source: Calvert Asset Management Co. (12/07/2010)