In a bold move toward being more sustainable, Stone Martin Builders has announced that every home it constructs in 2025 will be Energy Star certified, marking a major step in its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
With more than 800 homes slated for completion this year, the Alabama builder’s Energy Star-certified homes follow strict standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and feature high-performance windows, quality insulation, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, resulting in better comfort, durability, and lower utility bills for homeowners.
"Our commitment to being an Energy Star partner and constructing Energy Star-certified homes reflects our dedication to building homes that are not only comfortable but also environmentally responsible," says Briggs DeFoor, senior purchasing agent at Stone Martin Builders. "We're proud to lead the way in bringing these high-performance homes to our hometown residents in Opelika and Auburn."
To learn more about its green commitment, BUILDER spoke with DeFoor on the company’s large-scale certification efforts, the key design elements that go into an Energy Star home, buyer feedback on the energy-efficient initiative, and more.
What inspired Stone Martin Builders to commit to the Energy Star certification on such a large scale, and why now?
Stone Martin Builders is committed to innovation and leadership in the home building industry. Our journey began with smart home technology and naturally progressed to a focus on energy efficiency. Pursuing Energy Star certification aligns perfectly with our long-term goals, allowing us to offer higher-quality homes and establish ourselves as a leader in the state. We strive to set the standard in energy-efficient home building, ensuring our homes are both sustainable and cutting-edge.
How does your 2025 goal of building 800 Energy Star-certified homes compare to previous years?
In previous years, Stone Martin Builders focused on understanding the direction of sustainability within the industry. We took the time to thoroughly grasp what Energy Star certification entails before committing to building 800 certified homes. We believe Energy Star will eventually become an industry standard, and energy-efficient homes will be mandated. By getting ahead of this curve, we are taking a proactive step for the industry. After conducting extensive research and building tester homes to ensure feasibility on a large scale, starting in 2025, every home we build will be Energy Star-certified.
What are the key design or construction elements that make your homes Energy Star-certified?
Our Energy Star-certified homes incorporate key design and construction elements focused on clean air and energy efficiency. We use spray foam insulation on the roof deck to keep the attic air-sealed, ensuring more consistent indoor temperature and humidity control. Our HVAC systems are equipped with stand-alone fresh air systems and exhausts, similar to those found in kitchens, to bring in clean fresh air from the outside. The primary goal is to create a well-sealed home that maintains a stable comfortable home, reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills. This approach minimizes temperature and humidity fluctuations, enhancing comfort and efficiency. In addition, we extend our gratitude to Sensigreen HVAC and USA Blower Door (Auburn Blower Door) for their exceptional contributions to Energy Star projects. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in achieving our energy goals. Having reliable partners is crucial in ensuring the success and quality of our Energy Star projects.
Can you walk us through what happens during the third-party testing and verification process?
The third-party testing and verification process for our Energy Star-certified homes involves strict standards to ensure compliance with all requirements. A certified Energy Star rater conducts two evaluations during the build. The first occurs after insulation and framing are complete, and the second takes place at the end of the build, once the drywall is finished. During the second review, the rater checks the functionality of exhaust fans and HVAC systems, verifies insulation and framing techniques, and ensures proper airflow throughout the home. This includes checking weather stripping in areas like the garage and ensuring windows are sealed properly. After the final walk through, the rater inputs the collected data into a computer system, which includes the home's floor plan, to generate a HERS Score. This score measures how much less energy the home uses compared to an average home built in 2009.
In terms of real savings, what kind of impact can home buyers expect on their utility bills?
Home buyers can expect significant savings on their utility bills with our Energy Star-certified homes. On average, savings range from $1,000 to $1,500 annually. However, these savings can vary based on factors such as external environmental conditions and temperature fluctuations throughout the state.
What kind of feedback have you received from homeowners living in Energy Star-certified homes?
Homeowners living in our Energy Star-certified homes have shared positive feedback, particularly appreciating the energy efficiency and cost savings. Since the first buyer moved in around July 2024, we've noticed increased interest and satisfaction among residents, though specific testimonials are more closely tracked by our sales team.
Are there common misconceptions about energy-efficient homes that you'd like to address?
A common misconception about energy-efficient homes involves the safety of spray foam insulation. Some people mistakenly believe it is toxic. However, when properly installed, spray foam insulation is safe and effective. It's important to note that while liquid foam is not safe, once it hardens, it is used in various applications, including in cars. All our homes feature energy-efficient spray foam insulation to improve temperature control and lower energy costs. This system can help you save up to 30% to 50% on energy bills by reducing stress on your HVAC while enjoying consistent comfort and improved air quality in an airtight, insulated home.
Beyond 2025, what’s next for Stone Martin Builders in terms of sustainability and innovation?
Beyond 2025, Stone Martin Builders will continue its commitment to sustainability and innovation by advancing its Energy Star initiative. We are transitioning to Energy Star 3.3, staying aligned with the program's evolving standards and requirements. This commitment involves being flexible with materials, adjusting build timelines, and potentially adopting different HVAC units to meet new updates and requirements. Stone Martin Builders remains dedicated to evolving alongside Energy Star to ensure our homes meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.
