Top Sustainable Features in New Homes

As the demographics of new-home buyers shift to younger and more energy-conscious purchasers, builders are recognizing that energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming major considerations in home purchases.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that energy efficiency, represented through energy savings and decreases in electricity bills, is a high priority with many new-home buyers.

This trend is being driven by the entrance of more millennials into the housing market, according to information on the NAHB website.

Younger buyers tend to be more concerned about sustainability and energy efficiency and have demonstrated a willingness to pay more for new homes with these features—up to twice to three times more, according to the NAHB.

The top sustainable features in new homes include:

• Energy Star certification: This certification, from the government’s Energy Star program, certifies a home as being as energy efficient as possible.
• High-efficiency appliances and HVAC systems: High-efficiency appliances and heating and cooling equipment can slash monthly energy costs by a substantial percentage. In many cases, these devices can pay for themselves in energy savings alone by about the halfway point of their expected functional lifespan. Geothermal heating and cooling is an especially efficient option.
• High-efficiency windows: High-efficiency windows, including windows with low-e glass, are designed to be tightly sealed, preventing air and energy loss around the window, its frame, and its casing. Low-e glass helps keep heat in during the winter and out in the summer.
• Renewable energy options: Some houses can be equipped with solar panels that can produce a substantial portion of a home’s energy via sunlight.
• Programmable thermostats: Electronic programmable thermostats provide a high level of control over HVAC system operation and can provide significant energy savings.
• Low-flow fixtures: Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures reduce water usage while still providing plenty of water for daily use.

Construction Monitor helps construction firms keep up to date with the latest trends and developments throughout the residential housing industry. Contact us today for more information on the most desirable sustainable features in new homes and how you can more effectively offer these features to your customers.