Trilogy® At The Vineyards By Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities® First Active Adult Builder In The Bay Area To Be 100 Percent Energy Star® Qualified

Online, June 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Wine-country based Trilogy at the Vineyards, by Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities, is announcing today that it is the first active adult builder in the Bay Area to be 100 percent Energy Star qualified. With the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency from Energy Star, homeowners at Trilogy at The Vineyards can embrace new, updated green features that can save thousands on energy costs and improve home comfort.

Energy Star homes must be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). Most of the homes at Trilogy are 30 to 40 percent more efficient than those built to IRC, and they are generally 50 to 60 percent more efficient than homes built just a few years ago. Shea Homes backs their energy efficiency promise with a financial guarantee from an independent third party.

For Mike Crosby, CEO of his own consulting firm, and a Trilogy at The Vineyards homeowner since last November, energy efficiency and The Energy Star seal was an important aspect of his, and his wife's, new home, "We not only bought into a community at Shea, we bought into the vision. Shea cares about everything from the details to the big picture - from the insulation to the construction."

Crosby estimates that he and his wife save $150 or more a month on energy bills and says their new home is more comfortable and easier to regulate. For instance, the tight insulation has allowed the two to save money and energy by not needing to use air conditioning, despite a recent hot spell. Outdoors, satellite-controlled sprinklers gauge the rain, and only go on if needed. Additionally, the Crosbys can track and monitor their energy efficiency progress online.

"This is a huge accolade and honor for us at Trilogy at The Vineyards. To receive the Energy Star qualification, homebuilders must observe numerous details and requirements and do them all right. At Trilogy, we have done it all along, and we are proud to be recognized for providing boomers this highest level of energy efficiency," said Dan O'Brien, area president for Trilogy Northern California.

Trilogy underwent 14 months of intensive examination to obtain the Energy Star seal of approval. Each and every home receives up to eight inspections for tightness from an independent Home Energy Rater (HERS) during and after construction to verify that they meet the EPA's strict guidelines for energy efficiency. Energy efficient features are included as standard in every Trilogy at The Vineyards home.

Specific features that are standard in Trilogy at The Vineyards Energy Star homes include:

• Tightly sealed wall, floor and attic insulation and ducts installed with minimum air leakage and efficient insulation
• Energy Star qualified tankless water heaters that heat water only when needed
• Tech Shield on sheathing material to keep the home at a constant temperature
• Fixtures and Jenn-Air® appliances that include the Energy Star Seal

Trilogy at The Vineyards also meets the standards for Environments for Living®, building on the Energy Star requirements.

Trilogy at The Vineyards is enveloped by 3,500 acres of natural preserve. It lies in the middle of 30 acres of working vineyards and olive orchards, delivering an authentic wine-country lifestyle. Residents have access to award-winning Club Los Meganos, a new 34,000 square-foot social hub that offers diverse fitness classes and high-end equipment at the Delta Athletic Club, luxurious treatments at Sawã Spa, two pools, a culinary studio and bistro-style restaurant, event center and grand living room. Outdoor amenities include The Los Olivos Tennis Pavilion with four courts to choose from, three miles of wine country walking trails and more.

Though home sales may be down across the country by 15 percent year over year, Shea Home Active Lifestyle sales are up 28 percent. Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities have been ranked number one in the country in customer service three years in a row.

About Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities
We've created a division within Shea Homes to develop resort retirement communities geared to the Baby Boom generation. Baby Boomers helped change their world, and we knew they'd demand a new breed of community as they become empty nesters and retirees. New homes at our Active Lifestyle Communities offer the legendary Shea Homes quality you'd expect, along with an outstanding lifestyle geared around exploration, freedom, wellness and connection. With 11 locations around the country in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, California and Washington, people looking to live in a master planned community that comes with 4-star resort amenities will have plenty of options to choose from. There are thousands of reasons active adults love living in Shea Homes Active Lifestyle and Trilogy communities, from the stunning Clubs and enriching amenities, to the Shea Green Certified™ homes, to the vibrant people who live in each one of our locations. We invite you to explore all there is to life in an Active Lifestyle Community and see why we're different inside and out. More information is available online at www.TrilogyLife.com or by calling (800) 685-6494.

Energy Star and the Energy Star name are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

###