Frontlines of Climate Action: Sustainability is Personal

In this exclusive Front Lines of Climate Action interview, vanguard green builder Gene Myers shares insights into next-generation zero energy homes and his vision for the future of the housing sector.

"Green building has never been just a trend for us—it’s been a 32-year journey of continuous improvement," says Gene Myers, Founder, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Chairman of Thrive Home Builders.

Gene didn’t start as a homebuilder. A civil engineer by training, he entered the industry through land development. But in 1992, he launched Green Tree Homes, a name that, at the time, left many confused about the meaning of “green.” Today, Thrive Home Builders has set the standard for energy-efficient, healthy, and high-performance homes.

"As a small private builder, I once thought we were the underdogs. But in reality, being private gave us the freedom to commit to sustainability without compromise," Gene explains.

His journey has been one of trial, learning, and continuous innovation, from early local utility programs to participating in DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and HERS rating systems. These programs, along with support from national labs and like-minded builders, have enabled Thrive to stay at the cutting edge of energy efficiency and home performance.

"We’re not researchers, we’re homebuilders,” Gene asserts. “Having access to a network of raters, engineers, and technical experts has been critical to our success.”

The Evolution of Green Building

The building industry has changed dramatically since Gene first started swinging a hammer. "People think homebuilding is an archaic industry, but we’ve seen incredible advancements. I never imagined we’d be building net-zero energy, carbon-neutral homes in my lifetime," Gene says with a smile.

One of the biggest game changers? Rooftop solar.

"When we first started installing solar, people said it was bad for the environment because of the materials used. The same skepticism happened with electric vehicles. But these leaps forward have transformed the industry," he explains.

Another unsung hero of green building, according to Gene, is the HERS rating system, which allows builders to accurately model energy performance before a home is built. "We’re approaching 2 million homes rated through RESNET. That’s a huge industry shift," Gene notes.

From Net Zero Energy to Net Zero Carbon

As the conversation shifts from net-zero energy to net-zero carbon, Gene and Thrive Home Builders are leading the charge. They were among the first builders in the country to purchase carbon offsets, ensuring their homes are net-zero embodied carbon.

"We already measure operational carbon, but what about the carbon footprint of the actual home we build? That’s been the next big challenge," Gene says.

Thrive is now incorporating low-carbon materials like fiberglass foundations to replace carbon-heavy concrete.

"If we can reduce carbon emissions from homebuilding, we should. We want to be part of the solution, not the problem," he emphasizes.

A Deeply Personal Commitment to Climate Action

For Gene, sustainability isn’t just a business decision—it’s deeply personal.

"I love Colorado, and I’ve watched our forests die. I’ve seen climate change firsthand. This isn’t political. It’s happening right in front of us," he says.

With buildings accounting for up to 40% of global emissions, he believes the industry must step up.

"One builder can’t fix climate change, but we can show what’s possible and lead by example," Gene proffers.

Looking Into the Crystal Ball

So, what does Gene see when he envisions homes 20 years from now? Surprisingly, he doesn’t expect them to look wildly different, but he does predict major advancements in smart energy, materials, and community design. He forecasts:

• On-site energy generation will become the norm, making homes less dependent on the grid while enhancing grid resilience.
• Greener materials will reduce embodied carbon, replacing carbon-heavy materials like concrete.
• Smart, health-focused homes will ensure better air quality and comfort for homeowners.
• Subtle environmental design, like reduced light pollution, will enhance community well-being.
• Mobility shifts may reduce the number of private vehicles, changing how we design neighborhoods.

"I don’t know what future homes will look like exactly, but I hope they are healthier, smarter, and carbon-neutral. More than anything, I want them to be assets to their communities and the environment," Gene concludes.

Watch the Full Interview

Gene Myers’ passion and leadership have helped redefine the future of sustainable homebuilding. Watch the full interview to hear more about his journey, insights, and predictions for the next generation of homes.

Publisher’s Note: Green Builder's 20th Anniversary celebration is sponsored by: Carrier and Trex.