Meritage Homes Corporation recently announced that its new “net-zero” homes, which can produce as much energy as they consume, are now available at all of its communities in Las Vegas.

Last month, Meritage Homes unveiled its “Extreme Green” homes in Las Vegas. These homes can save homeowners up to 50 percent on their utility bills when compared to a typical existing home. The builder’s new “net-zero” homes combine the energy-efficiency features that come standard in its “Extreme Green” homes with a revolutionary ECHO complete solar solution that provides renewable electricity, hot water, and solar air conditioning, resulting in “net-zero” homes that can produce as much renewable energy as they use.

Homebuyers who purchase a “net-zero” home not only can reduce their monthly electric bills, but also be eligible for a $9,000 federal tax credit, making the home even more affordable.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) in partnership with Coca-Cola awarded laptop computers to the 40 winners of an essay contest that asked local high school seniors to write a 500-word essay on how they can reduce their carbon footprint by using the services offered by the RTC.

"The level of participation was remarkable. We received hundreds of essays from students on how they use our growing transit system, bicycling amenities and other environmentally friendly services to reduce our carbon footprint," RTC General Manager Jacob Snow said.

The essay contest was open to all high school seniors graduating in 2011. Each essay was judged equally on its content and the quality of the writing.

If you have a water-efficient landscape in your yard or you’re a professional who has worked on one, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has a contest for you.

Local residents and landscape professionals interested in showing off their water-efficient landscapes are encouraged to enter the SNWA's 13th Annual Landscape Awards competition.

Applications for this free community contest, along with award criteria, categories and other information are available at snwa.com through Thursday, May 12. Applications also are available by calling the Conservation Helpline at 258-SAVE (7283).

The SNWA's Landscape Awards honor residential and professional water-efficient landscapes that are both attractive and functional. Entrants must have a working irrigation system appropriate to their design.