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As energy costs across Houston have begun to skyrocket amid a changing climate that has led to multiple extreme weather events, many homeowners and developers are looking to build more energy-efficient and sustainable homes.

What you need to know: Sam Luna, director of product sales at BKV Energy, an electric utility company in Houston, said while sustainability is still more of a luxury, he has seen developers start to create new homes with climate-conscious and energy-efficient features in mind.

Features of the most efficient homes combine energy-efficient construction, appliances, lighting and renewable energy systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The cost: Energy-conscious homes often require 2% to 10% higher upfront costs than a standard home build, according to the Department of Energy.

However, despite higher upfront costs, energy-efficient homes often sell faster and at a higher price point, with an additional value of around $5,000 more than a standard home, according to the National Association of Builders.

The luxury motor coach service Vonlane announced its departure point from the Houston metro in The Woodlands to Austin began service May 4. The route is the 12th for the company.

Vonlane launched a route between The Woodlands and Dallas last year.

What to expect: Vonlane now offers service between The Woodlands and Austin seven days a week at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, and DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area, 1617 N. I-35, Austin.

Nine Houston ISD schools will be piloting a new education model in the 2026-27 school year that will include core subject studies, learning activities and training in artificial intelligence use.

What’s happening?: HISD’s Future 2 pilot program will debut at seven more schools than originally planned, joining Gregg Elementary School and Clemente Martinez Elementary School, which were already scheduled to utilize the model.

Schools recently added to the Future 2 launch for the 2026-27 school year are:

• Bonham Elementary School
• Shadydale Elementary School
• Southmayd Elementary School
• Deady Middle School
• Forest Brook Middle School
• Hartman Middle School
• Sugar Grove Middle School

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced May 5 that a $5 administration fee would be added to customers' water bills starting in the new fiscal year. The proposal is intended to help the city close a large projected budget shortfall, as well as partially fund the Solid Waste Department's annual budget.

However, City Council members have raised concerns about affordability for residents and questioned the potential for the rate to grow beyond its expected cap of $25 per month by 2032.

What's happening: Council member Alejandra Salinas, who won her seat in late 2025 to replace Letitia Plummer as an at-large member, published a letter to Whitmire's administration three days after the new fee was announced. Her letter calls for affordability protections and discounted rates in the proposed solid waste fee, specifically for seniors, low-income residents and disabled veterans. 

Their thoughts: Several council members during the Budget and Fiscal Affairs meeting, which highlighted the five-year budget forecast, also expressed their concern with the potential for the rate to increase beyond affordability standards.

The Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort in Galveston is continuing development, with the construction of a model cottage unit designed to give prospective buyers an early on-site experience by the summer, according to an April 22 news release from RREAF Holdings.

The details: Full construction of the resort is expected to be completed in July 2027, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR, listing.

• 401 E. Beach Drive, Galveston

Following pressure from summer camp operators, lawmakers and legislative leaders, Texas is suspending a requirement that all camps install “end-to-end” fiber-optic internet infrastructure before opening this summer.

The background: After catastrophic flooding in Central Texas killed more than 130 people—including 28 deaths at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp—last July, state lawmakers passed a pair of laws designed to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness requirements for all Texas summer camps. One provision of the laws requires that camps install two types of broadband internet, including a fiber-optic system.

Nineteen camp operators sued the state over the fiber-optic rule in April, citing million-dollar installation fees and limited access to fiber-optic services in rural parts of Texas.

What's happening: The Department of State Health Services, which licenses youth camps, said it reached an agreement with the camp operators May 7. Under the agreement, Texas camps that maintain “redundant” broadband internet services—such as cellular, microwave or satellite technology—will not have their license revoked or denied as long as they meet all other safety requirements.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from May 4-8.

Grand Parkway project moves forward with $1.4B contract

Sugar Land launches ticket reservations for FIFA World Cup watch parties

Triten Real Estate Partners completes 400K-square-foot distribution center in Humble

Friendswood awards $8.6M contract for Blackhawk Boulevard improvements

From her grandmother’s garden to Houston storefronts, Bree Clarke grows something bigger than plants