EPA Names Pulte Homes in Las Vegas an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.

Business Editors

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2004

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Pulte Homes' Nevada Operations as a 2004 ENERGY STAR(R) Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to building energy efficient homes in Southern Nevada and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The accomplishments of Pulte Homes Nevada Operations will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 2004.

Pulte Homes in Southern Nevada, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1996, is being honored for building homes that meet the EPA's strict guidelines for energy-efficiency. ENERGY STAR homes are significantly more energy efficient than homes built to standard code.

Pulte has built 100% ENERGY STAR homes in the Las Vegas Valley since 1999 and builds the most ENERGY STAR labeled homes nationwide. In addition, the builder takes energy efficiency steps further by featuring Pulte's Environments for Living(R) building technology in each home.

Energy efficient measures implemented include vinyl framed Low-E Milgard windows which let light in but block a high percentage of the UV rays; high efficiency forced air units (FAUs); cocoon insulation, a method whereby a cellulose insulation is blown into the cavity walls preventing air gaps; and the sealing of ducts prevent leakage and keep the temperature in the home's attic within 5 to 15 degrees of the interior living space. Environments for Living homes exceed ENERGY STAR requirements and each certified home offers a three-year heating and cooling energy use guarantee.

The Partner of the Year Award is given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to the construction of energy-efficient homes that benefit the environment, while providing homeowners with a quieter, more comfortable, and healthier home, with significant utility savings. The award winners are selected from over 3,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"Pulte Homes takes great pride in our accomplishments together with ENERGY STAR," said Randy Bury, president of Pulte Homes Nevada Operations. "This award is a testament to our long-standing commitment to building the best quality energy efficient homes that are a benefit to both our homeowners and our environment."

According to the EPA, in 2002, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved enough energy to power 15 million homes and reduce air pollution equivalent to that of 15 million cars - all while saving consumers $7 billion.

"ENERGY STAR partners such as Pulte 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. "Every ENERGY STAR Home keeps 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of our air each year. That is a tremendous help for our environment."

About Pulte Homes

Pulte Homes, Inc., (www.pulte.com) based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has operations in more than 44 markets across the United States. Under its Del Webb (www.delwebb.com) brand, the Company is also the nation's leading builder of active adult communities for people age 55 and older. Over its history, the Company has constructed more than 360,000 homes and has been named Builder of the Year for 2002 by Professional Builder magazine. Pulte Mortgage LLC is a nationwide lender committed to meeting the financing needs of Pulte Homes' customers by offering a wide variety of loan products and superior customer service.

/Web site: http://www.pulte.com/

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. The 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 ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call Maria Vargas at [phone].