At EEBA’s 2025 High Performance Home Builder Summit, the “The Sustainability Waters Have Gotten a Bit Choppy...So What Now? ” panel brought together a powerhouse lineup of North American builders and sustainability leaders to confront the question on everyone’s mind: What happens when federal programs shift and incentives fade—but our commitment to high-performance building remains?
Moderated by Sean Hunter, DuPont’s Global Sustainability Lead, the session featured Aaron Smith (EEBA), Doug Tarry (Doug Tarry Homes), Megan Cordis (Beazer Homes), Stephen Myers (Thrive Home Builders), and Tim O’Brien (Tim O’Brien Homes). Together, they navigated today’s policy changes, affordability pressures, and carbon challenges—all while staying true to their mission: to build homes that are energy efficient, resilient, and healthy for the people who live in them.
The Shifting Federal Landscape
EEBA CEO Aaron Smith opened the discussion by acknowledging uncertainty around key federal programs such as 45L, 25C, and DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH).
“The good news,” Smith noted, “is that programs like the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home will live on under a new banner—the Efficient New Homes Program. It’s funded for at least another year, and that’s a big win compared to where we thought we’d be six months ago.”
While programs like Indoor airPLUS and Energy Star are facing transitions, Smith emphasized that EEBA’s mission has always been bigger than any single policy.
“For 42 years, EEBA has helped builders pursue high performance through every administration—red or blue. We’ll keep doing that because it’s the right thing to do.”
Staying the Course When Incentives Fade
The loss of the federal 45L tax credit—once worth up to $5,000 per home—has created headwinds. But for these leaders, it hasn’t changed their compass.
Doug Tarry of Doug Tarry Homes:
“We’ve never relied on tax credits. They were never part of our business plan. Our focus is on serving the customer and running lean, efficient job sites that save far more than any lost rebate.”
Megan Cordis of Beazer Homes:
“We decided five years ago that all our homes would be Zero Energy Ready. It wasn’t about chasing incentives—it was about who we are. Those standards give customers comfort, durability, and affordability.”
Stephen Myers of Thrive Home Builders:
“Policies come and go. The bigger challenge now is affordability. That’s the real barrier—but it’s not insurmountable.”
Building Smarter, Leaner, and More Efficiently
Doug Tarry described how lean construction principles not only reduce waste but build stronger trade relationships:
“Our trades charge us less because our sites are safer and more organized. Efficiency isn’t just energy—it’s operations.”
Megan Cordis shared that Beazer’s incremental process improvements have saved about $5,000 per home this year:
“You don’t flip a switch and go Zero Energy Ready overnight. It’s years of small refinements that add up.”
Tim O’Brien added that operational excellence is a sustainability strategy too:
“If we can shorten build times, reduce interest costs, and turn homes faster with the same staff, that’s cutting waste and improving affordability—two sides of the same coin.”
The Carbon Conversation: Operational vs. Embodied
The panel took a deeper dive into the next frontier of sustainability—carbon.
Megan Cordis spoke passionately about Beazer’s progress in decarbonization:
“We’ve already reduced operational carbon to near zero in many markets. About 40% of our homes are all-electric, and we’re expanding our solar program nationwide. The next step is tackling embodied carbon—but it has to make business sense for our teams, our customers, and our shareholders.”
Stephen Myers noted that while carbon is a policy focus, it’s not a marketing message:
“Decarbonization isn’t something you sell—it’s something you do. The benefits, like energy independence, are what resonate with buyers.”
He shared Thrive’s experience partnering with the town of Breckenridge, CO, to develop a 60-unit workforce housing project built to carbon-neutral standards:
“In this case, the customer was the municipality, and their goal was carbon neutrality. That gave us the opportunity to meet a policy goal in a practical way.”
Myers cautioned against letting carbon offsets become a “pay-to-comply” shortcut:
“We should be decarbonizing through our materials and supply chains—not just writing a check at the end. Offsets have a role, but they’re the last resort, not the first.”
Keeping Calm—and Carrying On
To close the session, Hunter asked each panelist for their motto heading into 2025.
Aaron Smith, EEBA:
“Keep calm and carry on. I’ve seen administrations come and go, but the true north doesn’t change. Focus on your goals, your community, and your impact. That’s what matters.”
Doug Tarry, Doug Tarry Homes:
“The most important part of carbon is the occupant. If your building burns down or floods, the carbon math doesn’t matter. Resilience is key. We’re focused on creating ‘life arc’ homes—buildings that can sustain people safely when the power’s out.”
Megan Cordis, Beazer Homes (with humor):
“Be like Michael Myers. He never runs, but he never stops. He’s persistent. That’s how we are—steady, focused, always moving forward.”
Stephen Myers, Thrive Home Builders:
“Be a dang good builder. Efficiency, quality, and process matter more than ever. Sustainability includes sustaining your business.”
Tim O’Brien, Tim O’Brien Homes:
“This is the infinite game. There’s no finish line. The path changes—sometimes it’s rocky—but we stay focused on what we can control and keep moving toward our vision.”
Hunter wrapped it up perfectly:
“Storms pass. The sun always shines on the other side. Sustainability is a long game, and every one of you is proof that our industry is heading in the right direction.”
Q&A: What Builders Still Need
When asked what tools or resources would help them most, the panelists agreed—training and trade education remain top priorities.
Megan Cordis:
“We need more robust training for trades. It’s not that they don’t want to build better—they just haven’t been shown why it matters or how to do it differently.”
Doug Tarry echoed the challenge:
“We’re hitting the limits of what’s on the shelf. Loads are so low now that traditional HVAC systems don’t fit our needs. That’s why we started our own HVAC and panel companies—to fill those gaps ourselves.”
Tim O’Brien closed by reminding attendees that EEBA’s community is part of the solution:
“We have incredible resources right here at EEBA—benchmark groups, sustainability circles, and tours. These conversations don’t stop at the Summit.”
Calm Seas Ahead—If We Steer Together
Despite the turbulence of changing policies, market headwinds, and carbon challenges, the “Choppy Waters” panel reinforced a clear message: high-performance building is not a passing trend—it’s the future.
As Aaron Smith summed up:
“Sustainability is a long game. Builders who stay focused on quality, efficiency, and customer value will not just survive—but lead.”
Join us September 16th-18th, 2026, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for our High Performance Home Builder Summit — the premier event for building professionals dedicated to advancing high-performance, healthy, and resilient homes!
Learn more and register at the lowest rates today at summit2026.eeba.org!