Smarter building. Lower bills. A healthier home for you—and the planet.
Once considered a luxury, sustainable homes have gone mainstream. As technology improves and energy-efficient practices become more common, building a high-performance, eco-conscious home is no longer out of reach. If you’re planning to build in the next year or two, you’ll likely be incorporating sustainability whether you realize it or not.
So how are homes becoming more sustainable, and what does it mean for homeowners?
1. Energy Efficiency Is Now Standard Practice
Thinking of building a new, custom home? Your insulation, HVAC, windows, and lighting will likely have energy-efficient options as the default. Today, builders are designing with long-term performance in mind, meaning better indoor comfort, lower monthly utility costs, and less energy waste from day one. And there’s no better way to do that than incorporating energy efficiency from the ground up.
Some common energy-efficient features include:
- High-performance windows and doors
- Advanced insulation techniques
- Energy Star-rated appliances
- Smart thermostats and zoned heating/cooling
Even small upgrades can lead to major savings over time, and the best part is, they’re easier than ever to access and install.
2. Green Materials Are More Widely Available
Not long ago, sourcing sustainable or recycled materials often meant long lead times or high costs. But as demand grows, so does supply. Today’s builders can choose from a wide variety of eco-friendly materials like:
- Low-VOC paints and finishes
- Reclaimed wood
- Recycled metal and composite materials
- Sustainable flooring like bamboo or cork
Many of these materials now come at a similar price point to traditional options, and they add long-term durability and reduced maintenance.
3. Tax Credits & Incentives Support Financing
Government and utility programs continue to support energy-efficient building practices. Earlier this year, the Indiana Office of Energy Development announced the Indiana Energy Saver Program, which supports two rebate programs to provide cost savings to single and multi-family residents for upgrades to insulation, air sealing, and Energy Star-certified equipment. Through 2032, there are also a number of federal income tax credits that support clean energy technology and appliances. Working with a builder who stays up to date on these programs can help you take full advantage of them.
4. You’re Future-Proofing Your Home
Sustainable homes aren’t just better for the environment—they’re better long-term investments. Energy efficiency, lower maintenance, and healthier indoor air quality are becoming standard expectations for resale. Building with sustainability in mind today means your home is better positioned for the future.
And if you plan to stay for the long haul? You’ll benefit from a healthier, more efficient home every single day.
Building Smart Starts Here
At North Homes, we help clients design custom homes that balance comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. Whether sustainability is your top priority or just one piece of your dream home, we’ll guide you through the options that make the most sense for your goals and budget. Let’s talk about what a smart, sustainable home could look like for you.