Profile of a Patriot

Through the Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

Frank Redavide
Castalia Homes

Hoosiers worry that building a green home will cost too much green.  Frank Redavide, President of Castalia Homes, is designing and building homes to put that myth to rest.

“People say homes are their greatest investment, yet they are throwing money out every day.  Why do that when they can save money in addition to having a better home?” questioned Redavide. 

Redavide believes that every home can incorporate energy-saving materials and be affordable to the average Hoosier.

“I found out 70 percent of waste that goes to landfills comes from construction in general.  I made a concerted effort to look into doing things green,” said Redavide.

Redavide realized that building better homes starts with finding the framers, electricians, plumbers, dry-wallers, and others that buy into building with an energy efficient mindset. 

“I know how to run businesses.  I jumped in and immersed myself in it.  If you’re going to go ahead and do something, get the right people to help you out,” said Redavide, a former Fortune 100 company executive. 

“Everything we put into the home we look at under a fine microscope,” said Redavide.  “We’re taking everything in the entire home—materials and processes, and saying ‘how do these things fit together?’”

Castalia Homes also uses third-party standards to ensure their homes are energy efficient.  The standards they follow most often are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) requirements, which many of Redavide’s homes meet. 

For Castalia Homes, part of building a better home is buying its products in Indiana.  From tile work to bricks made and fired in Terre Haute, Castalia Homes are constructed with Hoosier pride. 

“We try to buy everything for the home within a 500-mile radius,” said Redavide. 

Redavide believes in combining four principles when he builds a home: quality, service, price, and communication.

“I want to deliver the highest quality homes and superior service in the industry and be a trend setter.” Redavide said. “Building green gives you the highest air quality in the home.  We’re making a concerted effort to make the home healthier through going green.”

With this in mind, Frank Redavide ensures each home he works on will be energy efficient, provide energy savings, financial savings and an improved quality of life for many Hoosiers.

“A lot of Hoosiers can benefit from going green, not just Indianapolis but the whole state,” said Redavide.

Senator Lugar agrees.  That is why we congratulate Frank Redavide and Castalia Homes on being a Lugar Energy Patriot.