May 11--PINEVILLE -- A local homebuilder is taking being green to a whole new level.

Arden Homes, builder of the 77-house Parkway Crossing, is offering every homebuyer a one-year pass on the Lynx light rail, which has a stop in Pineville.

The company is among the first in town to be certified as energy efficient under the federal government's Energy Star rating system, said Kevin Icard, Pineville planning director.

Barbaritrail Homes and D.A. Taylor & Associates of Charlotte are also listed as Energy Star partners on the program's Web site.

Cambria Builders of Pineville's Traditions neighborhood also has submitted the paperwork to be certified, Brad Bowman, president of the company, said. There are about 40 houses already completed in Traditions and the remaining 40 will be Energy Star certified, he said.