Partner Spotlight: Lennar Mortgage
Fannie Mae’s Business Partner Code of Conduct outlines the principles we expect all our business partners to uphold. Today, we spotlight our partner Lennar Mortgage for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Building, heating, cooling, and powering single-family homes is costly to both homeowners and the environment. Keenly aware of this challenge, Lennar Mortgage is committed to financing homes certified by ENERGY STAR®. Built to energy performance standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes built to code. Not only does it reduce a home’s environmental impact, it also reduces homeowner costs through lower utility bills and less reliance on scarce resources.
“Lennar looks at every part of a new home — from flooring to trusses — as an opportunity to incorporate sustainable products,” notes Laura Escobar, President of Lennar Mortgage.
According to Lennar’s 2023 Social Responsibility Report, several features contribute to sustainability, including: ENERGY STAR appliances; water-efficient toilets and faucets; LED lighting; responsibly sustained lumber; energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; low-emissivity windows; tankless water heaters; solar panels; and more. In 2023, 22% of homes constructed by Lennar’s homebuilding affiliate achieved ENERGY STAR certification, and according to Escobar, this figure is expected to rise 30% to 40% in 2024.
Together, both Lennar Mortgage and Fannie Mae are increasing access to homes that meet strict criteria for energy and water efficiency and renewable energy generation. Since the inception of Fannie Mae’s Single-Family Green Bond program in April 2020, Lennar Mortgage has delivered approximately 4,800 loans to Fannie Mae that are part of Fannie Mae’s Single-Family Green Bond program. Fannie Mae offers Green Bonds to investors where the underlying collateral positively impacts housing infrastructure and the environment.
As Escobar explains, “It all starts with engagement and education, but there must ultimately be an investment of resources and a financial commitment to support environmental sustainability in a way that aligns with the values of our customers.”
Fulfilling our commitment
Lennar Mortgage embodies core principles in Fannie Mae’s Business Partner Code of Conduct. Lennar Mortgage’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency — fundamental principles that align with Fannie Mae's mission — benefit homeowners and the environment.