The Company will distribute more than 1,300 trees in communities throughout the U.S. in 2022 and shares new research highlighting the importance of sustainability for today’s homebuyers

In celebration of Earth Day today, and in alignment with its ESG objectives, Meritage Homes, the seventh largest homebuilder in the U.S., announces its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to support urban tree populations. To kick off the partnership, Meritage and the Arbor Day Foundation will host 18 regional tree planting and distribution events in 2022 across Meritage’s footprint, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

During the spring and fall planting seasons, Meritage employees and community members will volunteer across the country to plant and distribute more than 1,300 trees in an effort to build more beautiful and environmentally resilient neighborhoods through improved tree canopy and greenspace. These projects will focus on areas that have been impacted by a variety of environmental and economic factors, such as storms, invasive species, urban heat island effect, low-income status, and environmental inequity.

“Trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer, more connected neighborhoods and we believe that this partnership and the tree planting program will help enhance the sustainability of the greater communities in which Meritage operates,” said Phillippe Lord, CEO of Meritage Homes.

“Meritage Homes is helping to create more resilient communities through these projects.” said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Their efforts to improve tree canopy and greenspace in these areas will provide a meaningful, long-lasting impact on residents for years to come.”

While the partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation demonstrates Meritage’s long-term commitment to environmental efforts, as an early adopter and advocate for building energy-efficient homes, the Company is also focused on the environmental impact of its products, residential housing, and today, concurrent with its tree-planting initiative, releases the findings of its recent survey¹ on sustainable home consumer preferences. The research revealed that consumers expect new homes to be sustainable and come standard with a suite of features that are energy-efficient, while also beneficial to their health, the environment and their energy bills.

The survey found that 70% of respondents say it is important for them to live in a home that is energy-efficient—e.g., includes ENERGY STAR® appliances, spray foam insulation, and other similar features. Health is also a key focus for consumers with over 70% of respondents stating a multi-speed HVAC and advanced indoor air quality are important. Beyond home features, consumers expect homebuilders to be committed to sustainability. According to the data, more than two-thirds of respondents are likely to purchase from a company whose environmental messaging and/or practices align with respondents’ personal beliefs.

Lord adds, “These survey findings show that sustainability is top-of-mind for homebuyers. Energy-efficient features are no longer nice-to-haves, but table stakes and more will be expected. At Meritage, we’re committed to providing customers with energy-efficient homes at an affordable price.”

To learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation Partnership and regional tree planting and distribution events, please visit https://www.meritagehomes.com/earthday.

Source: Globe Newswire