Energy-efficient Homes
& healthy features
We love offering energy-efficient homes that are better for both your wallet and the planet. How do we do it? By measuring your new home’s energy performance and continuing to make adjustments and improvements. Two decades after we made green initiatives a focus, the results are astounding.
But we don’t stop there. Sustainability is more than building energy-efficient homes that save you money. We’re also focused on saving water and creating better indoor air quality. You should feel confident your next new home is good for both your health and the environment.
How do we energy efficiency?
High energy bills can be a major factor in your monthly housing budget. The level of energy efficiency can make a big difference to your bottom line! But how can you tell if one home is more efficient than another? We make it easy by using RESNET’s HERS Index!
This index is a simple way to measure new home efficiency. An independent rater does an inspection on every Richmond American home, then assigns a numerical value. The lower the score, the more energy efficient the home!
So how does your new home stack up?*
Hover over the HERS index number for additional information> 100
Rating higher than 100. This home is costing you money!
80
This is 20% more energy efficient than a home built in 2006.
57
This is the average HERS Index Score of homes rated in 2023. That’s 43% more energy efficient than a home built in 2006.
< 57
Ratings lower than 57. This home is more energy efficient than the average rated home in 2023.
0
Congrats! This home is a net zero home that produces as much energy through renewable resources, such as solar panels, as it consumes.
Important!
Some builders use sample ratings based on random testing and inspection of a subset of homes. With Richmond American, your home will receive a Confirmed Rating—not just an estimate—provided by a Certified HERS® Rater. See your sales associate for details.
program
ENERGY STAR® is more than a label you see on appliances! It’s an entire way of building energy-efficient homes to cut both energy and water waste without sacrificing comfort and convenience. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGY STAR® certified homes offer:
- Lower utility bills (compared to standard homes) through reduced energy waste
- Improved indoor air quality due to fresh-air systems and high-performance filters that reduce dust, pollen and other pollutants
- More consistent temperatures throughout, thanks to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems
- Fewer leaks and drafts through comprehensive air sealing, proper insulation and high-performance windows and doors
- Increased protection from moisture intrusion via a comprehensive water management system
- Better resale value when it’s time for your next move
- Greater peace of mind because homes are held to strict government standards and independently inspected by trained and certified professionals
natural resources
We believe it’s our responsibility as a company to be a good steward of the natural resources, whether that be energy, water or lumber. Here are just a few of the products and methods we use to minimize our impact on the environment.
Vendors with a
We prefer to work with vendors that share our passion for seeking out sustainable solutions. That’s why we research the sustainability commitments of our manufacturers to make sure they align with our values. Below are some ways in which our vendors are keeping their eye on the environment.
Emser Tile®
All products are Red List free, conflict-mineral free and lead free, as well as Prop 65 and OSHA Silica Standards compliant.
Mohawk
- Improved air quality through limited formaldehyde emissions in accordance with California Air Resources Board guidelines
- FloorScore® indoor air quality certification for limited volatile organic compound emissions
- Green Label Plus low-VOC emissions for carpeting
GE® Appliances
ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances rated for factors such as energy efficiency and water usage
Delta® Faucet
Delta® WaterSense® labeled faucets, showers and toilets use at least 20% less water than the industry standard—saving homeowners money without compromising performance.^
Sherwin-Williams®
- Sherwin-Williams has implemented a "Sustainability by Design" program to integrate sustainability into the product development process. They offer many products with sustainability attributes and certifications, including GREENGUARD certifications, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Manufacturers' Inventories (MIs) that aid architects and builders in meeting LEED criteria.
- Sherwin-Williams has also made a commitment and is taking action to reduce their Greenhouse Gas Emissions, improve energy efficiency, increase sourcing of renewable energy and reduce waste.
Want to know more about our vendors?
We’ve got you covered! Discover how and why we selected each brand that goes into your home. Find out more
A home
An energy-efficient home is impressive, but your health and safety are also top priority. We’re continually looking for ways to improve indoor air quality and healthy features around your home to give you greater peace of mind.
And there’s more!
If you want a more in-depth look what we’ve been doing to make a positive impact on the environment and reduce our carbon footprint, we encourage you to read our Corporate Sustainability Guide
about our energy-efficient homes
Now that you know Richmond American tests and makes adjustments to improve energy-efficiency, you may be asking what types of products and building practices contribute to an amazing energy score! To dive deeper into this topic, we’re doing a Q&A.
*Information about sample home ratings and level of efficiency was pulled from the Home Energy Rating System Index Interactive Tool created by RESNET® (Residential Energy Services Network), as noted on their website, March 2025.
The RESNET®, HERS®, ANSI® and ICC® are registered trademarks and are the property of their owners, who are not affiliated with, connected to or sponsored by the Richmond American Homes companies.
^WaterSense is a registered mark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models. www.epa.gov/water-sense/about-watersense.
^^ENERGY STAR® is a prerequisite to Indoor airPLUS. Features and options may not be available on all plans or at all communities. Features and options are subject to change without notice. Consult a sales associate about particular features and options offered at each community.