CANTONMENT - Sales of new homes have been on a decline and so have home prices.

But, what if you could buy a home that would save you money every month and help the environment?

Channel Three's Jim Carmack takes us to one local subdivision that's designed to do just that.

Welcome to Jaxson Estates in Cantonment. Homes here are "Earth Cents" certified.

But what exactly does that mean?

Bernie Mostoller/TMGR: "What we've provided is a high-efficiency heat pump, 14 seer, we have high-efficiency 50-gallon water heaters, we have low-E glass windows."

Fluorescent lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances... The entire house designed to save energy and money.

"At the very end, the house is performance-tested by Gulf Power to make sure we don't have excessive air leaks."

But the plan is to make the entire subdivision of Jaxson Estates Earth Cents certified, the first of its kind in northwest Florida. Realtor Bernie Mostoller believes it's exactly what the housing market needs.

"We think it's good for the consumer, good for the economy, and good for the environment."

John Carrell of Gulf Power agrees.

John Carrell/Gulf Power: "Working with builders, working with contractors, setting expectations. This is the beginning, and continuing forward, hopefully down the road, 100% of homes will actually meet these goals and these expectations."

Bernie Mostoller/TMGR: "I think the things we're doing today will be the standard that people will be building to in the future. We're privileged to be the first Earth Cents community in Escambia County."

Earth Cents homes can expect a savings of 25 to 40 percent on energy bills each year.

In Cantonment, Jim Carmack, Channel 3 News.

For more information on how to decrease your home's energy and save money, just click "Energy Savings" on our website.Energy-Efficient Subdivision Being Built In Cantonment