Homebuilding Insights

Originally published 2014. Updated in 2025 to reflect Ernest Homes’ current green building practices.

Building Smarter, Living Better: Ernest Homes’ Commitment to Green Building

At Ernest Homes, our approach to homebuilding goes far beyond choosing beautiful finishes and designing functional floor plans. We are deeply committed to building smarter, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes for families across Coastal Georgia, including Savannah, Richmond Hill, and Guyton.

While building codes and technologies continue to evolve, our passion for creating long-lasting, environmentally conscious homes remains the same. Today, we’re proud to share the sustainable practices and energy-efficient features that set Ernest Homes apart in the Lowcountry.

Energy Efficiency at the Core of Every Home

Every Ernest home is built with a high-performance energy package designed to improve comfort and reduce monthly utility costs. Our standard features include:

Spray Foam Insulation in the Roofline

Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy loss. By creating a tightly sealed thermal barrier in the roofline, it helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces HVAC workload, and supports year-round comfort for your family.

High-Efficiency TRANE® HVAC System

Our TRANE® HVAC systems are known for their durability and performance. They are engineered to use energy more efficiently than many traditional systems, helping to keep your home comfortable while managing utility costs.

LED Lighting Throughout

LED lighting comes standard in Ernest homes. LEDs consume significantly less electricity, last longer than traditional bulbs, and generate less heat — all of which contributes to a more energy-efficient home.

Smart TRANE® Nexia Thermostat

Every Ernest home is smart-home ready. The TRANE® Nexia Wi-Fi enabled thermostat allows homeowners to adjust temperatures remotely, set schedules, and fine-tune comfort. With smarter control comes smarter energy use.

Third-Party Energy Testing & Rating

Each Ernest home undergoes professional third-party energy testing and receives an energy rating. This provides measurable insight into your home’s performance and reinforces our commitment to building efficiently from the ground up.

Thoughtful Use of Materials

Sustainability isn’t only about what goes into your home — it’s also about how we manage materials on our jobsites. Across our communities, our teams work to:

• Reduce unnecessary waste through smart framing and precise material ordering
• Optimize lumber and drywall usage to minimize excess
• Maintain organized jobsites that support efficient workflows and less debris
• Partner with local hauling companies that prioritize responsible disposal practices

These internal practices help us cut down on landfill waste while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship Ernest Homes is known for.

A Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability

As a locally owned and operated homebuilder, we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come. Our team continually evaluates:

• New building technologies and materials that support efficiency
• Smart-home innovations that give homeowners more control
• Construction techniques that reduce our environmental footprint

Every improvement benefits not only our homeowners, but also the communities we proudly serve throughout Richmond Hill, Guyton, and Savannah.

Better for You, Better for the Community, Better for the Future

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing your family, or relocating to Coastal Georgia, an Ernest home offers more than comfort and style. Our homes are designed with long-term efficiency in mind, helping you enjoy lower energy costs, modern technology, and the peace of mind that comes with thoughtful construction.

To explore our energy-efficient new home communities, browse our floor plans, or learn more about who we are, we invite you to connect with us.