On August 29, 2024, Meritage Homes, the fifth largest homebuilder in the U.S. released its 2023 Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) Report. The report used the RESNET® HERS® Index scores as an environmental metric. Meritage Homes report included the section, “CERTIFICATION FOR THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF OUR NEWBUILDS SINCE 2009” stating: To deliver on our promised efficiencies, we are committed to complying with the most recognized energy-efficiency homebuilding certification programs in the industry • U.S. EPA’S ENERGY STAR® home certification reflects homes that are designed and built for quality and responsible stewardship of the environment and exceeds building codes by at least 10%. • Third-party RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) certification calculates a home’s energy performance, comparing it to the RESNET Reference Home, a standard based on a HERS index score of 100 for a typical home built in 2006. RESNET HERS Index Ratings Meritage Homes reported that in 2023 the homes they constructed achieved an average HERS Index Score of 52. The report also commented that “The energy-efficient homes we delivered in 2023 had an average HERS index score of 52 which yielded the following estimated impacts: • 102.1 million kilowatt hours of annual electricity saved • 157.4 million pounds of annual carbon dioxide eliminated • $16.3 million annual reduction in homeowner utility bills”. In its ESG report, Meritage Homes reported on its support of RESNET, “Meritage actively participates and contributed to multiple initiatives within the RESNET organization, including representation on its Board of Directors and its standards committee.” ENERGY STAR Homes The report stated that at the end of 2023, the company had built over 126,000 ENERGY STAR-labeled homes since 2009. Steven J. Hilton, Executive Chairman of Meritage Homes commented: “For 15 years, our unwavering commitment to innovation has allowed Meritage to produce high quality, energy efficient homes that are smarter, healthier, and more cost-effective for our homeowners.” Hilla Sferruzza, chief financial officer at Meritage Homes commented on the ESG report: “Our evergreen ESG efforts are central to our purpose and a driving force behind every affordable, energy-efficient and quality home we build. Through our engagement with customers, employees, vendors, peers, shareholders and other stakeholders, we continue to focus on the themes of affordability, sustainability, belonging and community, and to deliver a Life. Built. Better.® everyday.” Meritage Homes is the fifth largest homebuilder in the U.S. The company builds homes in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. To download the 2023 ESG report go to Meritage Homes 2023 ESG Report.
