Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Off Grid Gas: HBH Gas Systems and the Propane Systems Solution

Developers and Builders working off the grid have found a solution to their dual-fuels requirements: Propane Gas Systems from HBH Gas Systems. The systems provide clean, economical LP gas to off grid developments worldwide.

The phrase “Off Grid” typically refers to life beyond the energy infrastructure. Off Grid houses are eco-friendly solutions to our reliance on the overwhelmingly carbon-heavy electric grid. Central Gas Systems effectively decrease the number of homes that are built all-electric. HBH’s propane systems can even power backup generators for renewable energy initiatives such as wind and solar generation.

Off Grid communities are located beyond the reach of the natural gas infrastructure, or where the cost of main line extensions is prohibitively high to provide a community with gas service. Developers and builders working off the grid have traditionally had only one option: build all-electric homes. The disadvantages of this option are clear and wide-ranging. All-electric homes are much more expensive to heat than homes fueled by gas (in fact, it costs about twice as much to heat a home with electricity than with propane). Moreover, homeowners simply prefer having gas in their homes – from the familiar blue flame of a gas range to the warmer air from a gas furnace. From an environmental standpoint, the benefits are clear: a home that uses LP gas instead of electricity for space and water heating effectively offsets the carbon emissions or one average vehicle. Central Propane Systems from HBH Gas Systems offer the only viable alternative to building less desirable, less efficient all-electric homes.

Off grid living is increasingly becoming affiliated with eco-friendly practices. Living off the grid, going green, and reducing carbon footprints are integral parts of a sustainable future. HBH Gas Systems meets the demands of consumers and green builders by providing centralized, metered service of an alternative green energy recognized by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act. When developers choose to provide their off grid developments with gas from an HBH gas system, their decision reflects a commitment to sustainable development and eco-friendly living – all while enjoying the tremendous marketing advantage of offering dual-fuels in their communities. Builders benefit from the implementation of high efficiency gas appliances in place of low efficiency, grid-hogging, carbon-heavy electric appliances.

HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems worldwide. HBH gas systems serve developments of all sizes with homes built by established national, regional, and custom builders. For more information about HBH Gas Systems, visit http://www.hbhsystems.com/ or contact Harris Baker at (512) 306-0073 or info@hbhsystems.com.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

The Propane School Bus: Not only revolutionary- they can be powered by Community Propane Systems!

In the last few years more and more state agencies and municipalities have turned to Propane to power fleet vehicles. From municipal truck and car fleets to entire police vehicle and taxi fleets, propane can power vehicles efficiently and drastically reduce harmful particulate pollution and other toxins. In addition to serving the homes, community centers, and retail and commercial facilities in a community, Central Propane Systems can serve refueling stations for all of these vehicles.

The economic and sustainable benefits of propane have recently extended into new territory- school buses. In October 2007, The Texas Railroad Commission unveiled a propane-fueled school bus to showcase its many benefits, including increased safety, longer engine life and decreased fuel costs. The Railroad Commission also offers cash incentives to encourage school districts to buy these new buses.

Travis Country high School in Austin, Texas, also recently converted their fleet of school buses to propane. Central Propane Systems from HBH Gas Systems can fuel refilling stations for vehicle fleets, including school bus fleets. But the benefits of propane systems don't stop there! Central Propane Systems from HBH can fuel entire schools. In addition to powering their propane school buses, schools can uses propane for cooking, furnaces, combined heat and power (CHP) generation, and even Bunsen burners for the Chemistry lab.

As the cost of gas continues to rise, more and more organizations and businesses alike will look to propane to fuel their needs.

For additional information on propane fueled school buses, visit, http://www.propaneschoolbus.com
http://www.propanevision.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Winter and Propane

As winter closes in, homeowners are taking advantage of the many propane-fueled amenities available to consumers.

Gas furnaces produce warmer air than electric heat pumps, eliminating that drafty feeling. In addition to gas furnaces and gas-fueled water heaters, propane can fuel heated outdoor patios and driveways, standalone heaters, and even outdoor fire pits. Not only is propane more comfortable than electricity, it is cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Using clean-burning propane instead of electricity for space and water heating alone can save homeowners up to 50% on their energy bills - and effectively offsets the carbon emissions from one average vehicle!

Many consumers do not realize that propane produces more comfortable, even heat at almost half the cost of electricity. And homeowners also enjoy the piece of mind associated with knowing that their home is powered by a clean burning, domestically produced alternative fuel (propane is an alternative 'green' energy as recognized by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act).

Visit www.hbhsystems.com to learn more about how you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by fueling your home, development, or entire community with economical, clean-burning propane gas!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Outdoor Heating Powered by Propane

Educated consumers, developers, and builders alike agree that outdoor propane-fueled fireplaces are a more simple, practical, and sustainable alterative to old-fashioned wood burning fireplaces. This new generation of “fire pit” comes complete with easy-to-manage ceramic logs, push button ignition switches, and other features such as weather shields for wind, and cast aluminum trim.

Not only are they practical and easy to use, consumers love that their clothes don’t smell like smoke. You can even start your fire with a remote control -how’s that for ease of use?

Other propane-fueled outdoor amenities include heated dining tables and radiant heaters located under decks or concrete patios. For more information, visit
http://www.usepropane.com/select/fire_pits

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Article in Sustainable Land Development Today about HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas

Sustainable Land Development Today Magazine is featuring an article in their October issue titled "Community Propane Systems Fuel Developments Off The Main."

Check out the article by clicking this link: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/futurus/ldtoday1007/index.php?startpage=44
Or this one:
http://www.sldtonline.com/content/view/52/1/

HBH Gas Systems Announces Central Propane Tank Installation at Fort Worth, Texas Development on Eagle Mountain Lake

From October 18, 2007 --

On Thursday, October 4, 2007, Ferrellgas installed a 30,000 gallon propane tank contracted by HBH Gas Systems as part of the Central Gas Distribution System that will fuel The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake, a golf course and clubhouse community west of Fort Worth, Texas.

The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake is a large primary residence and resort community located off of the natural gas grid. The Developer wanted the marketing advantages of gas supplied and operated by a large, competent company that has demonstrated sufficient capacity to serve a development of this size. The team at HBH Gas Systems has unsurpassed expertise in the implementation of systems designed to serve off-grid developments.

Central Gas Systems offer the developer the option of steering their off-grid developments away from carbon-heavy electricity toward more sustainable development fueled by gas. These systems are economical, saving homeowners about 50% on their heating bills when compared to electric heating. Moreover, a recent American Gas Association study showed that most homeowners demand the luxury of dual fuels for their cooking and heating requirements. Homeowners in The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake will have the peace-of-mind associated with using an alternative green fuel as classified by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act. In fact, one home fueled by an HBH central gas system in lieu of electricity effectively offsets the annual carbon emissions from one average vehicle.

The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake is a 540-acre master planned, gated, luxury residential Fort Worth golf community on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake. The Resort boasts approximately 650 single family and condominium lots, a clubhouse, common areas, and a golf course. For the serious nature lover, there are over 40 acres of private open space with nature trails, private parks and picnic areas. Also, a private island belongs to every resident of The Resort and offers additional private beaches as well as a water park for children. Central Gas Systems provide domestically produced propane to each individual home from a centralized tank; it is delivered, metered, billed, and consumed in a manner virtually identical to natural gas. Furthermore, these systems allow for the implementation of high efficiency gas appliances in place of low efficiency, grid-hogging, carbon-heavy electric appliances.

HBH Gas Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Ferrellgas, the nation's 2nd largest propane retailer and 17th largest energy company. Together, they provide developments located off the natural gas grid with clean burning, economical propane from centralized tanks. HBH Gas Systems oversaw the design and implementation of the system at Eagle Mountain, while Ferrellgas will own and operate the system. Together, Ferrellgas and HBH Gas Systems will make all necessary provisions for permanent underground metered propane gas service for this sustainable and environmentally-responsible community.

HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems nationwide. To obtain more information about this project or HBH Gas Systems visit www.hbhsystems.com or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073 or info@hbhsystems.com.

Friday, October 19, 2007

World’s Largest Community Propane Distribution System Planned by HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas at Coyote Springs, NV

A Community Propane Distribution System to fuel a 160,000-home master planned development to be built in Coyote Springs, Nevada, has just been announced by HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas.

From September 25, 2007 --

HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas announced today their newest project: a Community Propane Distribution System serving a 160,000-home master planned development located in Coyote Springs, Nevada, 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Billed as the largest new city in North America, the development will feature its own businesses, schools, parks and town centers. HBH Gas Systems and nationwide propane distributor Ferrellgas have agreed to material transaction terms to design, engineer, construct and supply gas to Coyote Springs. When completed, this project will stand as the world’s largest Community Propane Distribution System.

Community Propane Distribution Systems provide developments located off the natural gas grid with clean-burning, economical propane from a single, centralized tank. These systems are highly economical, saving homeowners approximately 50% on their heating bills when compared to electric heating. HBH Gas Systems will oversee the design and implementation of the system at Coyote Springs, while Ferrellgas will own and operate the system. Together, Ferrellgas and HBH Gas Systems will make all necessary provisions for permanent underground metered propane gas service for this sustainable and environmentally-responsible community.

"HBH and Ferrellgas are proud to have been selected for this landmark system," says Harris Baker, President of HBH Gas Systems. "We look forward to providing the people of Coyote Springs with the same quality service we provide every community fueled by one of our systems."

Extending pipelines to bring natural gas to Coyote Springs would have cost between $40 million and $70 million. Faced with such a massive line extension cost, the developers turned to HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas for a solution. This Community Propane Distribution System will provide economical, domestically produced propane to each individual home, which will be metered, billed, and consumed in a manner virtually identical to natural gas.

Coyote Springs Land Company LLC and Pardee Homes of Nevada are developing the first phases of Coyote Springs. The HBH Gas System at Coyote Springs allows the developers working off of the natural gas grid to offer the many benefits of dual-fuels to homeowners.
Regarding the project, Baker said, "The entire team is proud to be a part of a responsible, cutting-edge energy solution for this environmentally sensitive new town. Coyote Springs will grow into a significant city offering new residents and businesses an incomparable quality of life based on the most economical and efficient balanced-energy home."

Homeowners in the Coyote Springs community will have the peace-of-mind associated with using an alternative green fuel as classified by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act. In fact, one home fueled with propane from an HBH Gas System instead of electricity effectively offsets the average carbon emissions from one vehicle. At an estimated final buildout of 160,000 homes, the amount of carbon emissions effectively offset by Coyote Springs will be enormous. Additionally, over 13,000 acres of the community will be dedicated green space. The developer has been recognized for its efforts in meeting strict environmental standards and Coyote Springs has been praised as a model of environmentally-sound land use.

The Community Propane Distribution System at Coyote Springs will allow for the use of high-efficiency propane appliances in lieu of low-efficiency, grid-hogging electric appliances. Most homeowners prefer using gas appliances because gas ranges heat more evenly, gas water heaters recover twice as fast as electric ones, and gas furnaces are more comfortable because they produce warmer air than an electric heat pump. In addition to the proven advantages of gas energy over electric, Community Propane Distribution Systems provide immeasurable benefits to the community at large. Homes that utilize dual fuels are more comfortable and obtain higher appraisals than all-electric homes.

Coyote Springs is the product of more than a decade of study and planning. At nearly 43,000 acres, Coyote Springs covers almost twice as much space as the next-largest development in a state famous for outsized building projects. Over the next three decades the developer plans to build a community that will eventually include 240,000 residents, more than 160,000 homes, eight or more golf courses, and a full complement of retail, commercial, and service facilities. Straddling Clark and Lincoln Counties, this project is extremely important for the Nevada state economy. When finished, Coyote Springs will bring nearly a half-million jobs to one of the fastest growing regions in America. The first golf course is nearing completion and home sales on the first 680 lots will start in Spring of 2008.

The Community Propane Distribution System from HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas will make Coyote Springs a cleaner and more comfortable community. As the world's largest system, it will stand as a testament to the developers’ and builders’ commitment to the economic, social, and environmental principles of sustainable development.

HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems nationwide. To obtain more information about this project or HBH Gas Systems, visit www.hbhsystems.com or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073 or info @ hbhsystems.com.

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. is a Fortune 1000 company and, through its operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P., serves more than one million customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. More information about the company can be found online at http://www.ferrellgas.com/.

Coyote Springs Investment, LLC is an affiliate of the Wingfield Nevada Group, a real estate investment, development and operating company renowned for its environmental sensitivity, architectural excellence and construction quality. CSI has fashioned successful projects throughout Nevada including Wingfield Spring, the Resort at Red Hawk, and the Foothills at Wingfield Springs, in addition to Coyote Springs. With its significant land and water holdings, The Wingfield Nevada Group is one of the largest private landowners and land development companies in the state. To obtain more information about the Coyote Springs community, visit http://www.coyotesprings.com/ or contact Doug Carriger at 702-382-2818.

Pardee Homes, the master residential builder for the community, is a proven pioneer of environmental stewardship. Their commitment to harmony between home and environment is shown in their conservation initiatives. Pardee Homes has built homes and master planned communities for more than 30,000 families in southern Nevada since 1952. The company was named "America’s Best Builder in 2003" by Builder magazine and has been honored as "Energy Star Partner of the Year" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2003, 2004 and 2005.To obtain more information about Pardee Homes, visit http://www.pardeehomes.com/.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

HBH Gas Systems Raises $3.2 Million to Develop Centralized Propane Systems

From September 5, 2007:


Austin, TX (PRWebDirect) September 5, 2007 -- HBH Gas Systems is proud to announce a successful capital campaign toward the expansion and development of centralized propane systems, raising $3.2 million from a group of central Texas investors. The well-established company is currently expanding a nationwide sales team, broadening marketing efforts and an awareness campaign aimed at developers, land planners, utility consultants, and engineers.

HBH Gas Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Ferrellgas, the nation’s 2nd largest propane retailer and 17th largest energy company. Together, they provide developers which have projects located off the natural gas grid with clean burning, economical metered propane gas from a single, centralized tank that is delivered through conventional underground mains. Tony Dale, Vice President of Business Development for Ferrellgas, stated, "The partnership between HBH Gas System and Ferrellgas is one which plays well to the strength of each organization. HBH’s strong experience with developers and the construction industry fills a gap for Ferrellgas, and the decades-long propane retailing and safety experience of Ferrellgas completes the package. We look forward to many more years of continued success working together."

Harris Baker, the President of HBH Gas Systems, said, “I really couldn't be happier with the way we have been able to develop our relationship with Ferrellgas. Our central gas systems support sustainable development by providing countless social, economic, and environmental benefits to homeowners and communities nationwide.” Together, HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas have become the nation’s leading provider of Central Gas Distribution Systems. One week ago, HBH Gas Systems announced their most recent system at Montesoro, a large, private residential development located northeast of San Diego outside of Borrego Springs, California. Mr. Baker said, “The success of this campaign speaks clearly of HBH Gas Systems’ continued growth in both the near and long term. We are confident that our increased marketing efforts and our awareness campaign will bring even more new central gas systems to customers across the nation.” The group of investors includes established real estate industry veterans and others with years of marketing experience. “Our investors will add to our focus and core of knowledge while providing insight and valued guidance. The enthusiasm of our investors motivates
our efforts and lends credibility to our concept.”

An HBH Gas System allows developers working off of the natural gas grid to offer the benefits of underground metered gas to homeowners. These systems are economical and efficient, saving homeowners about 50% on their heating bills when compared to electric heating. Moreover, a recent AGA study showed that most homeowners demand the luxury of dual fuels for their cooking and heating requirements. Propane can power everything from environmentally friendly lawn equipment to space and water heaters. Homeowners in a community served by an
HBH Gas System have the peace-of-mind associated with using an alternative green fuel as classified by the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act. In fact, one home fueled by an HBH Gas System instead of coal-based electricity effectively offsets the annual carbon emissions from one average vehicle.

HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems. Each system allows all the homes in the community to be supplied with propane from a single facility, eliminating the need for individual tanks. The gas is distributed, metered, serviced and billed just like natural gas. Central Gas Distribution Systems provide developments with the economic convenience and efficiency of an environmentally responsible gas product endorsed by the EPA as an alternative fuel. HBH Gas Systems has formed a strategic alliance with Ferrellgas, the 2nd largest propane retailer and 17th largest energy company in the United States, facilitating the centralized delivery of gas to new home customers and provides central gas system consulting and construction services to select US and international companies.

To obtain more information, visit our website or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

California Development 'Montesoro' Chooses HBH Gas Systems To Fuel 800 Lots & Community Facilities

From August 14th, 2007-

HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas announced its newest project in California at the Montesoro private residential development.

The developers needed to provide the community with dual-fuels - electricity and gas - but the community is located too far from the natural gas grid for line extensions to be financially viable. A Community Propane Distribution System from HBH Gas Systems and Ferrellgas was chosen to fuel the 800 lots that will eventually comprise the Montesoro community. The system will provide the entire community with a supply of economical propane fuel that is individually metered at each home. Overland Park, Kansas-based Ferrellgas, one of the world’s largest propane retailers, is HBH Systems’ strategic propane partner.

Homeowners nationwide express a strong preference for gas fuel in their homes. From gas ranges to water and space heating, gas provides a wide range of social benefits at approximately half the cost of using electricity. In addition, a single home using propane for water and space heating in lieu of electricity eliminates approximately 8.5 tons of carbon emissions per year. As such, fueling the 800 homes at Montesoro with a Community Propane Distribution System will result in an annual reduction of about 6,800 tons of carbon emissions, equal to the emissions from over 1,100 vehicles.

Montesoro is a 3,140 acre private residential community located outside of Borrego, California in the heart of the Anza-Borrego State Park, less than two hours northeast of San Diego. Residents enjoy an 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course as well as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading in the 600,000 acres of surrounding protected state park land.

To obtain more information, visit http://www.hbhsystems.com/ or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073.

Monday, October 1, 2007

HBH Gas Systems Announces New Environmental Impact Statistics for Central Propane Distribution Systems

From August 29, 2007 --

HBH Gas Systems has announced new environmental statistics for their off grid central propane distribution systems. Their new statistics are based largely on a recent study conducted by Energetics, Inc. for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered Central Gas Distribution Systems. Each system allows the homes in an off grid community to be supplied with propane from a single facility, eliminating the need for individual tanks. The gas is distributed, metered, serviced and billed just like natural gas.

HBH Gas Systems has partnered with Ferrellgas to provide developments located off the natural gas grid with clean-burning propane from a single tank. Central gas distribution systems provide developments with the economic convenience and efficiency of an environmentally responsible gas product endorsed by the EPA as an alternative green fuel.

A single home using an HBH Gas System for water and space heating in lieu of electricity eliminates approximately 8.5 tons of carbon emissions per year, effectively offsetting the carbon emissions from one average vehicle. Fueling the water and space heating requirements of an average 500 home development with a central propane system instead of electricity offsets about 4,250 tons of carbon emissions per year. Propane is an EPA approved alternative energy per the Clean Air and Energy Policy Acts.

Propane-powered water heaters produce 60% less carbon emissions than electric powered water heaters. Propane is non-toxic and insoluble, so it offers minimal risk to aquifer and ground water supplies. In addition, 30 houses with wood-burning fireplaces create as much particulate pollution as 30,000 houses with gas fireplaces.

To obtain more information, visit http://www.hbhsystems.com/ or contact Harris Baker at 512-306-0073. Click on the image below to view our print ad (currently running in Urban Land Institute magazine):

Getting the HBH Blog up-to-date

We're going to post some recent Press Releases that have been distributed nationally in order to get our blog up-to-date.

We'll start with one from about a month ago that contains some very interesting environmental stats relating to our systems, and lead up to our most recent release, announcing our planned system in Nevada that, at final buildout, will be the largest Central Propane Dsitribution System in the world!

Thanks for your interest, and check back for updates.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Welcome to our blog about Residential LP Gas and Propane Distribution


Fuel your off grid development with economical, environmentally friendly propane gas. HBH Gas Systems specializes in the marketing, design, and implementation of fully-engineered central LP (propane) gas distribution systems. In qualified developments, we provide systems at no cost to the developer.