“Mr. Sahadi took the results of the FSEC analysis and looked at the potential mortgage impact implications of a new HERS rated, energy-efficient home versus an older nonenergy efficient home. The results of this analysis found that a home with a HERS Index Score of 61 generated significant ‘additional buying power’ from $13,000 to over $24,000 with the same income and downpayment. This additional buying power would allow a VA borrower to gain the energy savings and health benefits of a high energy performance new home with lower housing costs than an older, less efficient home.”

https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-releases-study-on-impact-of-energy-efficiency-on-va-home-loans/