EEBA's High Performance Home Blog

Author: Tyler Oehlman, Associate Director, Residential Systems Solutions Electricity demand in the United States is projected to rise 16% in the next five years, fueled by the explosive growth of data centers and advanced manufacturing. That increase places enormous pressure on utilities, grids and households. For the HVAC industry, it signals a turning point: comfort can no longer be separated from energy intelligence. Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) are stepping into this moment, transforming the way homeowners consume, store and share energy — and creating new opportunities for the HVAC contractors who install and maintain them. What are Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)? HEMS integrate smart thermostats, connected appliances, solar panels, battery storage, and advanced software into one coordinated platform. These systems can give homeowners a better view of their energy use and the power to control it in real time. They also create a new class of “prosumers”—... read more

As 2025 comes to a close, the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) celebrates another transformative year of education, recognition, and collaboration across the high-performance building industry. From expanding regional training opportunities to elevating our awards program and strengthening our builder networks, EEBA’s work this year reinforced a shared commitment to building homes—and communities—that perform for people and the planet. Expanding Impact Through Regional Trainings EEBA’s regional training series reached new audiences across Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Minnesota, empowering residential building professionals with the latest building science knowledge and hands-on guidance. These two-day sessions focused on the updated Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Version 2 program (now the Efficient New Homes Program) and the ENERGY STAR NextGen Builder requirements—two critical pathways for builders aiming to stay ahead of rapidly evolving codes,... read more