KB Homes Says It Will Become Greener Next Year

Los Angeles, CA, July 25, 2008--KB Home on Thursday promised to build all new homes starting in 2009 using paint and carpet low in volatile organic compounds that can cause health problems.

The home builder also announced a set of environmental standards including compliance of all communities opening in 2009 with the government's "Energy Star" certification requirements.

"I'm not saying we're green, because we're not. But we're doing the best we can to become greener," CEO Jeff Mezger said.

"As we go forth with our initiatives, I think we will end up being the green builder among national builders because we're leading the charge now."

KB's new communities will adhere to the federal government's "Energy Star" certification requirements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy program provides guidelines for energy-efficient building processes and govern insulation, ducts, and windows among other elements.

KB had been building Energy Star homes and already used environmentally friendly paint, but not companywide.

The company is to conduct an audit this year to reduce job site waste that is expected to produce material cost savings, part of the competitive advantage afforded by green practices, Mezger said.