Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 - (Page 45)

Homes at Susnset Cove, Galveston, TX “Underground propane tanks are clearly the way to go,” says Bruce Bylsma, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sable Developing. “Buyers like the aesthetics, the absence of the tank. They also see propane as more cost-effective than electricity and better for developing both off-the-electric grid and off-the natural gas main. Propane gives homeowners all the benefits they need to live comfortably in a home.” Sable Developing has used propane in all of the homes they have built where natural gas is not available. They choose to work with propane because it is clean, efficient, convenient, and an environmentally friendly energy source they can provide their customers. Propane has long been recognized as an environmentally friendly energy. It’s an approved alternative fuel, listed in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Acts of 1992 and 2005. Per pound of fuel consumed, propane emits less than half as much carbon dioxide as coal and almost no sulfur dioxide. So consumers can help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using propane gas for heating, cooking, and other activities instead of coal generated electricity. Today’s demanding home buyer is looking for an everincreasing level of comfort, performance and energy efficiency from their home. And when that home is off the natural gas mains, community propane distribution systems offer a great way for developers and builders to provide the gas amenities that meet those needs. For more information about using propane in homes, or to locate a propane retailer near you, visit www.usepropane.com. SLDT About the author: Steve Gaze is a regular contributor to Sustainable Land Development Today. Lake & Stream CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS HOME TO CLEARWATER CONSTRUCTION INTERNATIONAL System Planning and Installation For developers, a community propane distribution installation starts with planning and an initial design with contractors and engineers. Regulatory approval ensures that state and local rules and laws are adhered to. This is then followed by the build phase with trenching, tank site prep, and installations of the mains. System integrity testing must be completed before the system goes live and operations and maintenance, billing and meter reading begin. The developer contracts with the propane retailer to obtain service and coordinates with the gas company to determine the tank location. After the infrastructure is in place the builder is responsible for plumbing the homes for propane, contracting with a propane licensed plumber, and installing propane appliances (working in conjunction with the homeowner). The gas provider may be responsible for regulatory compliance, supplying meters, regulators and gas supply, meter sets, meter reading, and billing. Detention Pond Construction Turn your detention areas into features and enhance your property & it’s value! www.coloradolining.com 1062 Singing Hills Rd., Parker, CO 80138 Phone: 800.524.8672 Fax: 303.841.5780 Circle 135 • or www.SLDTonline.com/adinfo www.SLDTonline.com 45 http://www.usepropane.com http://www.coloradolining.com http://www.coloradolining.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/adinfo http://www.SLDTonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 Contents Our Voice Your Voice Editorial Board Mapping the Development Process Looking at a New Dimension The Environmental Liability Continuum GPS System Makes the Grade Regulations: Reactions Mixed Trends: Communications Easements Business Management: Recycling Sustainable Practices: LEED-ND Energy: Community Propane Systems Transportation: Mountain Solutions Recommended Reading Calendar Products/Services Showcase Classifieds Advertiser Index The Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

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