Building Better Homes
Think Beyond Square Footage—Choose a Better-Built Home
Most homebuyers focus on price per square foot or surface-level features. But the real value of a home comes from how well it performs.
A Better-Built home is healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient—saving homeowners thousands of dollars while performing better in New Mexico’s climate.
Since 2005, the Build Green New Mexico Certification Program has helped builders deliver above-code, high-performance homes across the state. More than 11,000 certified homes have been built to higher standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water use, durability, and comfort.
These homes aren’t just “green.” They’re verified, tested, and built to perform.
What Is Build Green New Mexico?
Build Green New Mexico is not a builder—it’s a trusted certification program that helps builders create better-performing homes and gives buyers proof those homes are built right.
Build Green NM uses building science and third-party verification to certify homes that go beyond code minimums. The result is a home that is more energy and water efficient, healthier to live in, and better suited for New Mexico’s high-desert climate—today and into the future.
Unlike marketing claims or “green-washing,” Build Green NM certifications are verified, tested, and documented through independent onsite inspections and performance testing.
- Third-party plan review with an estimated energy savings and HERS Index
- Building envelope inspection to verify air sealing and insulation quality
- HVAC compliance verification and duct leakage testing
- Blower door testing to measure whole-home air leakage
- Final inspection to confirm all program requirements are met
- Submission and review for official Build Green NM certification approval
How Build Green NM Certification Works
Build Green NM is rooted in nationally developed guidelines from the National Association of Home Builders and has continued to evolve ahead of national energy codes. For buyers, that means confidence. For builders, it means a clear path to delivering higher-quality homes with measurable performance.
With multiple above-code certification options available statewide, New Mexico buyers have more access than ever to homes built for comfort, efficiency, and long-term value.
Ask if your builder will certify to the Build Green NM program.
Why Performance Matters When Buying a Home
Buying or building a home in New Mexico is a major investment. While many shoppers focus on price per square foot or eye-catching features (“the bling”), your long-term comfort and costs depend on something much more important: how well the home is built.
A high-performance, certified green home delivers benefits you can feel every single day:
Better Insulation & Smarter Design
Efficient Heating & Cooling Systems
Proper Ventilation for Healthier Living
Water Efficiency in a High-Desert Region
Healthier Materials for You & Your Family
Ready to Explore Better-Built Homes?