SAN DIEGO --- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has again named Pardee Homes an ENERGYSTAR® Partner of the Year for the company's outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by building energy-efficient homes. A 2003 ENERGYSTAR® Partner honoree, Pardee will be recognized for its most recent accomplishment at the 2004 awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2004.

Pardee, a partner in the voluntary program since 1998, is being honored for building homes that meet or exceed ENERGYSTAR® specifications for energy-efficiency. ENERGYSTAR® homes are significantly more energy efficient than homes built to standard code. Homes built by Pardee feature dual-pane windows with high performance spectrally selective glass, sealed ducts, weather stripping on exterior doors, right-sized HVAC systems and an energy certification program administered by an independent inspector.

"ENERGYSTAR® is a vital part of our company's overall commitment to premium value for homebuyers," said Mike McGee, Pardee president and CEO. "As the nation's first multi-regional builder to embrace ENERGYSTAR®, we have made an unprecedented commitment to create new homes that are better for homeowners and for the earth."

McGee added that a typical ENERGYSTAR® home keeps 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the our air each year. According to the EPA, Americans aided by ENERGYSTAR® saved enough energy in 2003 alone to power 15 million homes and reduce air pollution equivalent to that of 15 million cars -- all while saving consumers $7 billion. Considering the 2,300 homes that Pardee Homes built in 2003, approximately 10 million pounds of greenhouse gases were prevented from entering the atmosphere.

"Pardee takes great pride in marking its second consecutive year of accomplishments as an ENERGYSTAR® Partner," said Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing. "ENERGYSTAR® homes save money and precious natural resources, while offering a more comfortable living environment year around."

EPA'S ENERGYSTAR® Award is given to a variety of organizations to recognize their efforts to build energy-efficient homes that provide significant cost savings to consumers and benefit the environment. Award winners are selected from over 3,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGYSTAR® program.

"ENERGYSTAR® partners such as Pardee Homes have shown tremendous vision by building homes that are better for the environment," said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "EPA is proud to recognize companies such as Pardee Homes with its second ENERGYSTAR® Award."

Builder of the Ultimate Family Home for the 2004 convention of the National Association of Home Builders, Pardee is active throughout Southern California and the greater Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada. Pardee ranks among the top five builders by volume in most of its six regional markets, and creates homes and communities for entry-level through upper end buyers. Established in 1921, the company is noted for energy-efficient building practices, quality construction, customer satisfaction and dedication to the educational and civic goals of the community in which it builds.

Pardee Homes will celebrate its 50 year anniversary in San Diego in 2004. Visit Pardee: www.pardeehomes.com.

The US EPA introduced ENERGYSTAR® partnering in 1992 as a voluntary market-based program to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. The ENERGYSTAR® program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 7,000 organizations have become ENERGYSTAR® partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGYSTAR®, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free (888) 782-7937.