A HERs-rated home is a voluntary 3rd party certification that measures a home’s energy efficiency and the way it was constructed. Builders that partner with the WI Focus on Energy program have access to a network of 3rd party independent HERs raters that verify many aspects of the home’s construction and features through inspections and energy modeling software. Builders and individuals can hire a HERs rater outside the WI Focus on Energy program to rate their homes. However, they lose access to many WI Focus on Energy program benefits, such as advertising and recognition.
Constructing a new home with builders who have 3rd party HERs ratings completed on all of the homes they build is a long-term investment. It verifies a builder’s responsibility to the customer, environment, and community and contributes to a more energy-sustainable future. The owners of homes that have been HERs rated can expect reduced cost in energy bills, increased comfort, higher home resale value, reduced carbon footprint, and are seen as stewards of the environment. This reassurance of long-term benefits is what makes this process a wise choice for all involved.
Builders in WI who are willing to invite an independent 3rd party into their business to perform HERs ratings on their customers' homes exhibit confidence in the product they're building. They aren't just building houses; they are forward-thinkers who care about the future. It also corroborates their efforts to create comfortable, environmentally sound homes and creates a marketing edge for themselves, but the real winners are the environment and consumers.
Building HERS-rated homes isn’t just about what is on paper – it’s about creating happy, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces for customers. The positive customer feedback and the fact that most of Wisconsin's highest volume builders participate in the WI Focus on Energy Program to have their homes HERS rated tells us we’re achieving just that. Especially since in WI, this is an entirely voluntary process and not a requirement to build a new home in WI. What does that tell you?
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