One of Metro Brokers’ Builder- Developer Marketing Group builders – Phil Gressly of Summerfield Homes – was recently awarded 2006 EarthCraft Builder of the Year. The award is given annually to a builder who has gone above and beyond in creating homes that are environmentally friendly.

Gressly was chosen as the top builder from a pool of 300 builders taking part in the program. Although several other awards were given out, including regional and best-in-class awards, the Builder of the Year award is the pinnacle of EarthCraft recognition.

“Gressly actively involves himself in the construction and inspection process, which directly contributes to his success in building beautiful, custom homes that are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable,” said Sean Bleything, EarthCraft House Field Operations Manager and one of the judges that made the final decision to choose Gressly over all others.

Gressly’s homes are 100 percent EarthCraft as well as 100 percent Energy Star certified, a separate program that creates homes that are 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional built homes.

EarthCraft House, which was started by Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, is a voluntary green building program that reduces utility bills and protects the environment. The certification requires 150 points be met. However, Gressly’s homes are certified with at least 200 points, which is 35 to 40 percent more than the minimum required for the program.

Gressly was also named 2005 Builder of the Year by the Builder-Developer Marketing Group (BDMG) of Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate. The 2005 and 2006 awards are for homes he has built in SilverOak, a new custom home community in Cobb County priced from the mid-$600s.

Homes at SilverOak are tailored to each buyer’s individual wants and needs. Some of the luxury touches homeowners can enjoy include master suites with sitting rooms, steam showers and morning kitchens, keeping rooms, commercial grade appliances, coffered ceilings, window walls, and built-in bookcases.

To visit SilverOak, take I-75 north to Exit 271 (Chastain Road) and turn left on Chastain Road. Travel to Cobb Parkway (Hwy. 41) and turn right. Take a left on Mars Hill Road and travel one mile to turn right on Hill Road. SilverOak is one mile on the right.

For more information about SilverOak, call Jackie Allred or Alison Page at 770.917.8321 or 404.843.2500 or visit metrobrokers.com/silver.oak.