The 18th annual Guild of the Las Cruces Symphony Association Home Tour in April, 2009, will focus on “The Greening of Las Cruces” to emphasize the need for more cautious use of our resources and promote awareness of alternative energy available in today’s changing world.

The tour will include both new and older homes which have utilized modern, innovative, and age-old, materials in the construction or renovation of their homes. Included will be examples of rammed earth and SIP panel construction, geothermal energy and photovoltaic solar cells, while paying attention to the use of Low-E windows, High R-value insulation materials, up-to-date water distribution systems with on-demand hot water, rain water harvesting, and Low/or no VOL finishing products. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Build Green New Mexico certified homes will also be featured.

Cathy Jaramillo, an Insurance Agent with Burke Insurance Group LLC, will have a booth set up to discuss the specialized insurance needs that come with owning a “Green” home. Numerous professionals in their field will also be on hand to answer your questions and a wide variety of explanatory handouts will be available.

Dates and times of the tour are:

Saturday, April 18 (10:00-1:00) and Sunday, April 19 (1:00-4:00)  Tickets, good for both days, are $20 each. Your ticket is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.