Builders were surveyed on how frequently they implemented seven categories of green building practices, whether the home was certified green or not. The leading practice in new homes was energy efficiency at 91%, followed by water efficiency at 52%, and healthier indoor living environments at 49%. For remodelers, the top three practices were energy efficiency (86%), healthier indoor living environments (51%), and water efficiency (49%).
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency was the most commonly used category. Builders reported on specific energy efficiency practices they used in more than 50% of homes. The top practices included the installation of green efficiency products, blower door testing, above-code energy programs, installing ducts in conditioned spaces, and targeting air leakages.
Renewable Energy
Builders were also asked about their use of renewable energy sources in more than 50% of their projects. Overall, renewables were not frequently used. Geothermal systems were the top renewable energy solution at 11%, followed by onsite solar energy at 10%. Regional differences were notable, with 31% of respondents from the West using solar energy systems, compared to 21% in the Northeast, and only 3% in the Midwest and South.
At the utility level, renewable energy use was more promising. Over half of the builders (55%) sized electrical panels to accommodate EV chargers, and 40% provided a charging outlet in more than half of their homes. Additionally, 25% of respondents built more than half of their homes to be all-electric, and nearly 19% designed all their homes for eventual all-electric use. There was no significant difference in the level of green engagement for all-electric homes.
Water Conservation
Water conservation was another top category for green building practices. The most common practice used in more than half of homes was installing water-conserving plumbing fixtures and faucets (87%). This was followed by water-conserving appliances (74%), tankless water heaters (65%), and efficient plumbing techniques (64%). Water conservation practices outside the home, such as drip irrigation, drought-tolerant landscaping, and rainwater collection and reuse, were used less frequently, with each below one-third.
Conserving Materials and Resources
Sustainable construction also involves conserving materials and resources. Builders were asked which material and resource conservation practices they used in more than 50% of their projects. Minimizing construction waste during design and construction was the most popular response at 78%, followed by using prefabricated components (such as panels and trusses) at 64%. Diverting construction waste from landfills was used less frequently at 35%.
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