The Willows at Whitehouse Station received a 2021 RESNET award for its Low HERS Index Score!
Donovan Architects designed this 72-unit, green apartment community, located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) recognizes homebuilders that are leading the path to net zero energy homes. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is a nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. The lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy efficient the home.
RESNET’s mission is to make the energy use of all homes transparent by driving residential sector energy use toward net zero. In 2020, there were 299,755 homes rated by HERS and The Willows at Whitehouse Station ranked 12th lowest overall. The average HERS Index Score of those homes was 58. When RESNET reviewed the records of builders who built at least 50 homes last year, they found that Whitehouse Station attained the lowest average HERS Index Score of 48.1 for homes built in 2020.
Not only are homes with low HERS Index Scores more comfortable for residents, but they also foster local economic development, save households hundreds of dollars on utility costs, and help the environment by reducing carbon emissions.