The Master-Planned Community Champions Sustainability with its ecoSelect® Plus Certified Homes and One Million Pounds of Carbon Emissions Avoided Since January 2020

(PITTSBORO, N.C., March 7th, 2024) – Chatham Park, the 8,500-acre master-planned community in Pittsboro, North Carolina, has reached a remarkable energy savings milestone propelled by its ecoSelect® Plus Certified homes. With an average Home Energy Ratings System (HERS®) score of 59, well below the regional average of 100, Chatham Park establishes a pioneering benchmark in energy efficiency for the region. A lower HERS® rating signifies superior energy efficiency, further solidifying Chatham Park’s commitment to sustainable living.

In addition to collectively avoiding one million pounds of emissions from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, Chatham Park has achieved a remarkable combined cumulative energy savings of $264,300. Over the three-year span, residents have enjoyed annual energy savings averaging $546, totaling 3,000 pounds of emissions avoided and showcasing a 26% higher efficiency compared to NC Code built homes. While the annual energy cost of a Code home stands at $2,662, Chatham Park residents benefit from a significantly lower annual energy cost of $1,883.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Chatham Park’s continued dedication to sustainable living. These numbers reaffirm our vision of fostering a master-planned community where environmental responsibility meets affordability. Chatham Park is actively setting the standard for a sustainable residential development, paving the way to a greener future for Pittsboro and beyond,” Executive Vice President of Preston Development Company Vanessa Jenkins says.

Since 2021, Chatham Park has collaborated with Southern Energy Management to enhance the quality of its homes through the implementation of ecoSelect® Plus. This tailored program, an extension of the ecoSelect® initiative, incorporates additional specifications tailored to Chatham Park’s unique needs. It emphasizes energy efficiency, offering robust support, and ensuring rigorous quality control to instill consumer confidence. As a 13-time Energy Star Partner of the Year, Southern Energy Management is dedicated to revolutionizing energy production and consumption. Their commitment to advanced utilities and construction techniques through the ecoSelect® program aligns seamlessly with Chatham Park’s vision for sustainable living.

Southern Energy Management details the diverse facets of the ecoSelect® certification process:

• Quality assurance conducted through third-party inspections ensures excellence
• A high-performance building envelope enhances insulation efficiency, retaining warmth in winter and cooling in summer
• Programmable thermostats offer remote comfort control for buyers
• Energy-efficient lighting yields 75%-80% energy savings and longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs
• High-efficiency HVAC units undergo post-installation testing to ensure optimal temperatures and effective operation
• Watersense fixtures reduce water consumption without compromising performance
• Solar evaluations assist buyers in advancing towards energy independence
• Fresh air ventilation systems replace stale air with controlled, fresh air circulation

The many features of the ecoSelect® Plus program serve as compelling attractions for Chatham Park homes. With a one-page qualification checklist and minimal administrative burden for homebuilders, buyers enjoy peace of mind with the exceptional safety standards upheld in their home. To demonstrate the program’s comprehensive impact at Chatham Park, neighborhood-wide outcomes such as the average community HERS® index score and household savings are regularly assessed and shared.

As Chatham Park progresses in its residential development endeavors, Southern Energy Management continues to elevate the quality standards of Chatham Park homes through its ecoSelect® Plus certification. This refined standard not only enhances the appeal for buyers but also contributes positively to the environment and the broader community.

Read the ecoSelect® Plus report!

To learn more about Chatham Park, visit https://chathampark.com/ or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About Chatham Park
Developed by the award-winning Preston Development Company, Chatham Park is a technology-centric 8,500-acre live, work, play, learn master-planned community located just outside of Raleigh in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Founded on five pillars: Innovation, Connectivity, Quality Design, Healthy Balance, and Stewardship, the vision of Chatham Park is to offer a balanced, well-rounded lifestyle for those In Pursuit of a Life Well Lived. More than 2,000 acres will be dedicated to parks and open space in addition to a wide range of amenities, including over 30 miles of scenic walking, biking, and multimodal trails; access to the Haw River and Jordan Lake; an amphitheater for live music and entertainment; shops, dining, art galleries, and so much more.