Beazer Homes’ Bold Benchmark

In 2020, Beazer Homes was the first builder to publicly commit to building 100% of their homes as Zero Energy Ready Homes, by 2025. This promise Beazer successfully upheld. Beazer focuses on what will matter over the lifetime of the home, not just when it is sold. They realize the definition of a “great home” is more than finishes and floorplans but extends to wellness, resilience and continuous value. 

“Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful affordability tools we can give homeowners,” said Allan P. Merrill, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Beazer Homes.“We are committed to delivering real performance because lower energy bills shouldn’t be a luxury and gaining comfort shouldn’t require a sacrifice.”

A Leading Force 

Over 40 years, Beazer Homes took action in the importance of energy efficient homes. Their investment in advanced building practices set the precedent for builders everywhere, that making a promise to build certified is achievable and pays off long term. 

According to publicly reported HERS scores, across all projects from Beazer the average HERS score was 32, compared to the average new home at HERS 57. This places them as the top efficient homebuilder in the U.S. Their dedication to energy efficiency extends to their remarkable fulfilled  promise to build 100% Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes, now called DOE Efficient New Homes. The impact of this initiative sounds good in theory and works in practice. Homes built by Beazer are 40-50% more energy efficient than a typical new home. Beazer evolved with the building market to offer a well rounded experience of high performance homes to meet the modern buyer. This includes educating on how a home lives, performs and supports well-being.

GreenHouse

GreenHouse is the largest solar community in Georgia. The long-range master-planned community is located in north Marietta, 20 miles from downtown Atlanta. Beazer began development of GreenHouse in late spring 2024. Sprawling across 174 acres, a community of this size in a fast growing region required long term planning and collaboration with local officials and stakeholders. Beazer saw the rare opportunity to showcase scalable energy efficient homebuilding in a major U.S. housing market.

The team and Beazer worked with Jeffrey Demure + Associates to help create the community rooted in biophilic principles and deep connection to the landscape. The first homes were sold in September 2025, at full build-out the project is expected to include 591 homes across four neighborhoods. Beazer’s vision is to create a broader community with a mix of product types including townhomes, ranch-style homes and two-story single-family homes. Inside the homes, Beazer’s choice of thoughtful design, low-VOC paint and induction cooking is an intentional choice to blend sustainability and elevated living.  

Rooted in Building Science 

Beazer Homes defines the energy efficient systems as a foundational aspect of the community, not a commodity or add on. All single-family homes in the community meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes™ standards, exceeding local contemporary construction and energy codes. 

As the largest solar community in Georgia, it is integrated into the home’s design and performance. The system boasts an estimated average energy offset of up to ninety percent. This aspect of the design is attractive for energy bills but also encourages others to build better at a large scale. 

Key energy efficient and green qualities of the project include high-performance construction and insulation, including 2×6 framing, advanced framing techniques and superior attic insulation to strengthen the thermal envelope and improve year-round comfort. Their air sealing protocols are designed to reduce air leakage, helping minimize drafts and improve efficiency. Broan® Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) supports improved air quality and overall well-being. Dual-pane Low-E windows reflect infrared energy and block UV light also support IAQ and efficiency. The HVAC and water heating systems are paired with smart thermostats to help optimize overall performance. This is all complemented by ENERGY STAR appliances and efficient lighting, which help reduce daily energy consumption. 

2026 Outlook

Beazer’s commitment to verified high performance takes the notion of building green into measurable energy efficiency deliverables. In 2026, the Beazer team is looking forward to expanding communities like GreenHouse and seeing progress of the projects. They are focused on raising the standard in sustainable building by delivering better performance, healthier indoor environments and a homebuilding experience grounded in trust and care. Beazer’s actions in this current moment are not just meeting today’s expectations, they are building what the future demands.

This is featured in the Jan./Feb. issue of Green Home Builder, read the print version.