Phase 3 of The New American Remodel® 2026 (TNAR 2026) is underway, and the spotlight is on sustainability. As one of the two official show homes of IBS 2026, this project is designed to demonstrate how to achieve energy efficiency, long-term cost savings and green certification, even without starting from scratch.
At the center of this effort is Two Trails, the project’s energy and sustainability consultant. Their mission: Select the best products and technologies to deliver high performance and secure NGBS Green Certification at completion. Along the way, they’re demonstrating that remodeling a home doesn’t have to mean gutting it down to the studs to reach ambitious sustainability goals.
Tackling Efficiency Without a Full Demo
One of the biggest challenges with TNAR 2026 has been finding innovative solutions that boost efficiency without complete wall removal. The team relied on creative approaches, including:
- Injected foam insulation in exterior walls where drywall remained intact.
- Foil-backed products on walls exposed to the exterior for better thermal performance.
- Open-cell spray foam in the attic to overcome very low ceilings, creating a closed attic and moving ductwork into a semi-conditioned space.
- Full window replacement to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency.
Each of these solutions presented its own set of challenges, but strategic choices can have a major impact on an existing home.
The Bigger Goal: A Sustainable, Cost-Efficient Home
Every step of this remodel is about more than meeting code requirements. It’s about showing what’s possible. TNAR 2026 is designed to inspire builders and homeowners alike, providing a real-world example of how to:
- Use different products and methods to improve sustainability.
- Increase energy efficiency without extensive demolition.
- Lower the long-term cost of operating a home.
By project completion, the goal is to achieve NGBS Green Certification and provide a roadmap for others looking to remodel smarter, greener and more cost-effectively.
Why It Matters
The New American Remodel is a real-world example of how to transform a home for a more sustainable future. Each innovative product choice is carefully selected to demonstrate this. TNAR 2026 is well on its way to becoming a model of what’s possible when creativity, technology and sustainability come together.
Stay tuned! We’re unveiling this remarkable home at IBS 2026 in Orlando. Registration is open for the Builders’ Show. Register with the best deals in September so you can tour the home during the show.