GreenWorks Systems is raising the bar for energy-efficient homes

Cold and hot rooms, air leaks, drafty basements—these are problems most homeowners struggle to solve, but for GreenWorks Systems, it’s just another day at the office. They tackle energy challenges head-on, using their expertise to identify home performance issues and ensure systems work as intended—creating healthier, more comfortable and more efficient homes across Maryland.

Where the craft meets certification

Founded in 2012 by Ryan Wooden, a third-generation carpenter, GreenWorks started with solar installations but quickly found its rhythm in energy auditing. Today, the company specializes in energy assessments and testing for both retrofit projects and new home construction, combining years of hands-on knowledge with modern tools to solve problems that others might miss. “We enjoy diagnosing issues that others can’t,” says Ryan. “It’s satisfying to walk into a home, figure out what’s happening and then actually fix it.”

Those hands-on skills don’t just identify problems, they drive change. GreenWorks serves as a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater and a participating rater in BGE’s ENERGY STAR® Certified New Homes Program. In this role, they work alongside builders to ensure homes meet the high standards that deliver long-term savings.

Focused on solutions, not setbacks

For builders, GreenWorks is more than just an energy rater, they’re a partner. By catching potential issues early and offering actionable solutions, they help builders exceed code, streamline inspections and avoid costly fixes. “I’m not the guy who says, ‘You failed, call me back when it’s fixed,’” Ryan says. “We work with builders to solve problems early, so there are fewer headaches later and the home comes out better for everyone.”

Homeowners often don’t see all the work that goes into building an efficient home, but they feel it through comfort and quality. From airtight ductwork and well-insulated walls to high-performance windows and properly installed HVAC systems, GreenWorks ensures every detail is done right.

“The biggest benefit is an additional set of eyes validating that an ENERGY STAR quality home is what it’s marketed to be,” Ryan explains. That attention to detail helps homeowners end up with a home that performs better and feels better to live in every day.

An industry growing together

Over the years, Ryan has seen Maryland’s energy-efficient home landscape evolve. Builders are more proactive than ever, coordinating between trades to meet or exceed efficiency standards. “Instead of fighting the rules, everyone’s working together to get it right the first time,” he says. This proactive approach simplifies inspections and results in higher-performing homes that save money and energy for homeowners.

Ryan encourages builders to look closely at the value of participating in the ENERGY STAR Certified New Homes Program. Through third-party verification and testing, the program helps ensure that quality builds perform to that higher standard, delivering more to potential buyers.

And builders who aren’t participating may be leaving money on the table. They can earn up to $4,950 per home when their projects qualify. “If you’re already building to a high standard, it makes sense to get the credit—and the incentives—to match,” he says. “Future homeowners benefit, and your work gets recognized.”

Leading what comes next

Ryan and his team are already looking ahead, training more people to become certified HERS Raters and expanding their ability to help builders deliver high-quality homes across Maryland. And with an established reputation for integrity, GreenWorks continues to lead the way—playing a key role in guiding homes toward greater comfort, efficiency and readiness for the future.

Learn more about the ENERGY STAR Certified New Homes Program and how to become a participating builder or rater at BGESmartEnergy.com/New-Homes.