Colorado home builder Markel Homes has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a recipient of the 2023 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award. This annual award recognizes market-leading organizations that promote safer, healthier and more comfortable indoor environments by following the EPA Indoor airPLUS requirements and offering enhanced indoor air quality protections for new home buyers.
“Congratulations to all 14 2023 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award winners,” said David Rowson, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “It is always inspiring to have the opportunity to recognize the incredible work that our partners do every day, from expanding the use of Indoor airPLUS on a national scale to maintaining strong leadership within their local communities. On behalf of EPA and the Indoor airPLUS team, we would like to congratulate and thank the 2023 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award winners for their work in constructing healthier homes for the American consumer.”
Poor indoor air quality has dangerous health consequences both in the short-term and long-term. These include headaches, dizziness and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as the possibility of respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. “This isn’t just a checkbox,” says Jason Markel, vice president of Markel Homes. “It’s actually contributing to the health of a young child and making sure they don’t have all these allergies and asthma and different afflictions growing up. This isn’t just a marketing term. It’s real.”
Markel Homes has been an active partner with EPA since 2007, building more than 750 ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes and nearly 150 Indoor airPLUS Qualified Homes. “Fifteen years ago, we were one of two production home builders doing indoor airPLUS ENERGY STAR® and high-performance homes,” says Markel. “Whether it’s our architectural sense or our green initiatives and higher performing homes that we believe in, we try to lead the home building community on the Front Range.”
From specifications and design to construction and completion, Markel prioritizes indoor air quality at every step of the home building process, investing the time and money upfront to protect our homeowners and their families. This commitment, combined with long-term subcontractor relationships and a focus on education, ensures that every home Markel builds meets and exceeds the highest standards.
“We design the plans so that our subcontractors can easily follow along and have a higher chance of nailing the details of indoor air quality and high-performing homes,” says Markel. “All of our superintendents out in the field are green building experts, so they can teach subcontractors how to install these materials properly. As a general contractor and home builder, we are very loyal and have a strong following with our subcontractors. We are very selective in choosing subcontractors and value long-term relationships built on trust and a shared commitment to building healthier and safer homes. By investing in continuing education for these partners, we can ensure that they have the most up-to-date and accurate information needed to build homes with the highest indoor air quality possible.” Indoor airPLUS encourages builders and raters to go above and beyond with construction practices to help minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants. Homes that earn this label offer home buyers superior comfort, durability, indoor air quality, and peace of mind. For more information on Markel Homes and its commitment to Indoor airPLUS-qualified homes, visit markelhomes.com. To learn more about the 2023 Indoor airPLUS Leader Awards or the Indoor airPLUS Program, visit epa.gov/indoorairplus.
-
Photo courtesy: Markel Homes
-
Photo courtesy: Markel Homes
-
Photo courtesy: Markel Homes
-
Photo courtesy: Markel Homes
-
Photo courtesy: Markel Homes
Photos courtesy: Markel Homes
