Smarter, cleaner, more comfortable living
Why it matters: Today’s homebuyers are thinking long-term: lower utility bills, higher efficiency, and less impact on the planet. Builders have responded with greener homes that cut energy use by up to 30% compared to older ones.
What’s ahead: A breakdown of 10 sustainable features you’ll find in many new home and why they make a difference.
1. Energy Star appliances
Lower bills, less waste
These high-efficiency appliances use less water and electricity without sacrificing performance. Energy Star appliances are standard in most new homes.
2. Modern insulation
Big comfort, small footprint
Heating and cooling account for the largest slice of energy use. High-grade insulation keeps your home cozy—and your bills low.
3. Programmable thermostats
Smart control, steady savings
Customize your heating and cooling schedule with tech that learns your habits and trims your energy use.
4. Low-E windows
Keep the view, lose the heat
These windows reflect heat and harmful UV rays, keeping interiors cooler without blocking natural light.
5. Energy-Efficient lighting
Bright idea
LEDs and CFLs are standard, but many new homes go further by being designed with natural light in mind to reduce daytime usage.
6. Sustainable lumber and building materials
Build better
Many builders source wood from responsibly managed forests or repurpose reclaimed lumber for floors, beams, and accent walls. Other building materials are becoming more popular.
7. Solar + geothermal options
Clean energy, built in
Green homes increasingly offer solar panels or geothermal systems, helping homeowners go beyond basic efficiency.
8. Cool roofs
Reflect instead of absorb
Innovative roofing materials bounce sunlight away from the home, easing the load on your HVAC system. Improve air quality with high-efficiency air filters that remove allergens and pollutants.
9. Smaller footprints
Efficient by design
Today’s layouts favor usable space over square footage. Cozy bedrooms and open kitchens replace formal dining rooms, cutting both construction and energy costs.
10. Site-specific builds
Designed for the land
Homes that take lot orientation and landscape into account save energy naturally. Think passive solar heating and low-water plants.
Is a green home right for you?
If you want to shrink your carbon footprint and monthly bills, a new green home checks both boxes. Builders are raising the bar on sustainability, so going green doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style.
Bottom line
Today’s green homes make it easier to live well, save money, and help the environment.
Sanda Brown
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing. At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.