RESNET’s 2025 Data Trends Report confirms, without doubt, that high-performance, HERS-rated, energy-efficient homes have become a baseline expectation for buyers.
More homes are getting HERS rated than ever before, and the numbers are climbing steadily. In 2024 alone, over 355,000 homes were HERS rated, a 13% increase from the year prior, and nearly a third of all new homes built in the U.S. were rated. That scale of market penetration simply can’t be ignored.
The national average HERS Index Score has dropped to an all-time low of 58—clear evidence that today’s homes are more energy-efficient, comfortable, and appealing to climate-conscious buyers than ever before. The data tells a compelling story: builders are increasingly aligning with evolving consumer expectations.
Texas, Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina lead the charge, accounting for over 60% of all HERS-rated homes. But momentum is growing everywhere—in red states and blue states, in cities, suburbs, and rural markets, and in single family and multifamily projects.
And here's the real kicker: according to RESNET, HERS rated homes save an average of $1,100 a year on energy costs compared to code-minimum construction.
Data Doesn’t Lie
A recent COGNITION Smart Data energy insights survey reveals that builders are responding to market signals by widely adopting high-performance insulation, right-sized HVAC systems, ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, advanced framing techniques, and smart thermostats to reduce overall energy loads.
In parallel, consumers are becoming much more intentional about their purchases. COGNITION data shows that homeowners across all generations are prioritizing upgrades that reduce operational costs and improve long-term value. The top energy-efficiency features ranked by buyers include:
Perhaps most importantly, the data also reveals a shift in how value is being calculated. Buyers—especially Millennials and Gen Zs—are focused not on first cost or price per square foot, but rather on total cost of ownership, energy savings, resilience, and long-term investment value.
A Smart Path to Profitability
For builders, this shift in mindset represents a major opportunity. By delivering energy-efficient, HERS-rated homes, building professionals can provide real, measurable value to buyers.
That value translates directly into the sales conversation:
Moreover, builders who embrace energy efficiency are consistently differentiating themselves from the competition, especially in crowded markets where consumers are overwhelmed by options. With buyer demand surging for smart, sustainable, and resilient housing, high-performance construction is becoming one of the most compelling sales tools available.
The Bottom Line? Build Better, Win Bigger
Energy efficiency is no longer a bonus feature. It’s a market imperative. And builders who lead with performance, transparency, and innovation are being rewarded with stronger margins, faster sales, and greater brand loyalty.
So, while incentives may fluctuate and market conditions may change, the direction is clear: the future belongs to builders who understand that sustainability isn’t a cost—it’s an investment.
To that end, third-party verified ratings and certifications, like HERS scores, are a powerful differentiator in an unpredictable market.
Want to learn more about net zero energy and carbon building? Enroll in Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy, which has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings.
And, be sure to check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.