The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) announced that over four million homes in the United States have been rated with a HERS Index Score, measuring a home's energy efficiency. The most recent milestone of three million HERS-rated homes was met just three years ago in 2021. In 2023, over 360,000 homes were HERS-rated, with over 28 percent of new single-family homes built receiving a HERS Index Score.
The four million HERS-rated homes:
- Reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 74 million tons (the equivalent of taking nearly 15 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year)
- Improved the health and comfort of more than 16 million residents
- Saved homeowners over $12 billion in energy costs
The RESNET Board of Directors recently adopted a goal that a million RESNET ratings will be conducted annually by the end of 2028. Initiatives beginning in 2024 including ESG reporting, tax credits, code compliance, green mortgage back securities, water and carbon efficiency, the build-to-rent market, and veterans’ home loans are expected to have the greatest impact on reaching this annual million goal. RESNET will commemorate the 4 million HERS-rated homes milestone throughout this year, recognizing the RESNET-certified raters, inspectors and contractors across the country who helped to reach this milestone.
RESNET's response
"Reaching four million HERS-rated homes is a significant milestone. Moreover, reaching a million HERS-rated in just a little over three years speaks to the continued upward trajectory of home buyers choosing more energy efficient, comfortable, and healthier homes," says RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden.
About the HERS Index Score
A HERS Index Score allows for a uniform estimate of a home's energy consumption and provides buyers/owners with a reference point for how energy efficient it is as compared to other homes. Heating, cooling and water heating constitute the largest cost of homeownership outside of the mortgage loan, and the HERS Index Score can help homeowners outline the energy features of the home and the expected cost of utility bills.
The HERS Index Score plays an increasingly important role in the housing industry, used by builders, utilities, real estate professionals and government agencies to measure the efficiency of their homes, as rated by certified RESNET Home Energy Professionals.
