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We’re One of The First To Offer Homes with ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification

January 18, 2024

Being committed to building homes that are healthier, more sustainable, and more efficient isn’t new to us at New Tradition Homes. In fact, it’s been our driving force  for decades. Making sure our homes are the best investment our homeowners ever make is a point of pride. Making sure our homes are good for the planet is our moral imperative. 

New Tradition Homes has never been a run-of-the-mill builder – and we’re not changing now! After 20 years as an ENERGY STAR builder, we are proud to announce that our homes will now have ENERGY STAR NextGen™ certification. The ENERGY STAR NextGen™ Certified program is designed to demonstrate how to build the homes that we need for tomorrow, today. It builds on the 25-year foundation of the ENERGY STAR program.

ENERGY STAR NextGen™ certification is an additional, optional level of recognition for homes that incorporates leading-edge efficient electric technologies and electric vehicle charging capabilities to maximize energy and emissions savings — while delivering the comfort, quality, and durability that homeowners expect from ENERGY STAR.

All homes that earn ENERGY STAR NextGen™ certification must be independently verified to include these key features:

1. Highly energy-efficient construction that meets ENERGY STAR’s most rigorous requirements. ENERGY STAR NextGen-certified homes meet the most advanced versions of the core ENERGY STAR requirements, which means they are at least 10% more energy-efficient than homes built in states that have adopted the 2021 IECC and 20% more energy-efficient than homes built to standard building codes.

1. Multi-speed ENERGY STAR-certified connected heat pumps. These heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces or boilers and serve double duty by providing both heating and cooling, making them usable year-round. Multi-stage or variable speed technology delivers more even and consistent temperatures for greater comfort and performance.

1. ENERGY STAR-certified connected heat pump water heaters. Water heaters typically account for about 20% of a home’s energy use. ENERGY STAR NextGen-certified homes include an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater, which is up to four times more efficient and uses 70% less energy than a standard model.

1. Electric cooktops and ovens. Electric cooktops and ovens eliminate the emissions of indoor air pollutants associated with gas combustion, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Optional induction cooktops have precise temperature control, boil water quickly, and have cooktop surfaces that remain cool to the touch, making them safer and easier to clean.

1. Electric vehicle charging capability. With the steady increase of electric vehicles in the United States, preparing for an electric transportation future is smart. In every ENERGY STAR NextGen-certified home with private parking, a Level 2 EV charger is installed or a heavy-duty power outlet is provided that can be used to charge an EV. 

As one of the first builders in the United States to launch ENERGY STAR NextGen™ Certification, we are proud to be at the forefront of building homes for the future. If you have questions, please feel free to get in touch with us. For more information about ENERGY STAR NextGen specifications, visit https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/energy_star_nextgen.