A growing number of U.S. cities, counties and states are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by mandating “zero” policies and rules governing new housing. New Buildings Institute (NBI).
There is a reasonable path forward for homeowners who want to transition to renewable energy, efficient heating and cooling, and sustainably built homes. The NBI also writes that “a gradual switch from fossil fuels to clean, ultra-efficient electric heating and hot water, known as building electrification, is the most feasible and lowest-cost path to clean-energy running buildings.”
“Zero energy homes are an irreversible market trend. They’re the homes of the future, and they’re available today.” Zero Energy Project.
Property owners who install renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, or geothermal, can generate electricity to power their homes. Residential systems operate with a two-way connection to the local power grid. When, averaged over a 12-month period, a home’s energy production equals the amount of electricity supplied to it by the power grid, the effect is “net zero energy.”
Zero energy housingNet Zero Home Construction is a certification program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and is a very popular home construction option. Homes are built with all the features of a Net Zero home, except for the renewable energy elements. Pre-wired technology allows for seamless, low-cost installation in the future.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Renewable Energy Compatible Homes,and Solar site evaluation tool To assess energy potential.
“Positive energy” is the result of surplus electricity generation that can be exchanged for financial rewards or used to power electric vehicles. “Homes can be designed and built as positive energy homes from the start, or existing zero energy homes can be retrofitted to become positive energy homes,” explains the Zero Energy Project guide. The way to a positive energy home.
Energy-efficient homes are healthier
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the link between their health and everyday environmental exposures, according to a survey conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. The survey found: Healthy Home Renovations: Consumer Trends and Contractor Preparation, The Joint Center concluded that “indoor air quality” was the top concern.
Scientific advances in ventilation systems are now capable of trapping far greater levels of germs, allergens, and airborne contaminants, and energy-efficient homes are built with built-in protection against mold and other environmental contaminants.
According to a report compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, Home RX: The health benefits of housing performanceEnergy efficiency improvements can transform a home’s physical environment by stabilizing temperatures, improving indoor air quality, and improving environmental conditions.
Energy efficient homes are cheaper to own
Regardless of where you live geographically, your utility bills can be zero if your home is “net zero” – today’s solar power and other renewable energy options can effectively power all of your home’s electrical, heating and cooling systems.
There are many ways that net-zero and high-efficiency homes make homeownership more affordable. Tax breaks, rebates, and other financial incentives are available to homeowners who install renewable energy and other energy-saving improvements. National mortgage agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA have “green mortgage” programs and are expanding eligibility criteria for borrowers who purchase or renovate energy-efficient homes. Energy-efficient homes are proven to appreciate in value more than conventional homes, adding more money to your retirement savings.
Dwele prefabricated house
Devere Dvele is a California company that builds luxury prefabricated homes. They have redefined the housing market by creating smart, healthy, energy-efficient homes that are affordable for the modern home buyer. All of their homes are equipped with solar power and battery backup systems. Dvele’s seamless, easy-to-manage process allows families to move into their homes faster. The company also offers a variety of discounts on buyers’ purchases. Construction FundingCustomers can choose from a wide range of home sizes, floor plans and customization options.Pictures show the interior and exterior of a completed Dvele home.
Eco Estate Sustainable Home
Eco Estate Eco Estate offers a new approach to designing and building sustainable homes with sound structural integrity, durability, a healthy environment, comfort and advanced technology. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Eco Estate provides homeowners with the tools they need to improve efficiency, Solar power systemand Energy StoragePresident and CTO David Pham advises homeowners to “complete efficiency upgrades before installing solar, then look at your new electric bill to determine how much solar or batteries you need.” Below are high-performance solar-ready homes from Eco Estates near Austin, Texas. Net-zero and eco-friendly home models up to 9,000 square feet include: Eco Estate Design Studio.
Log and timber house
Log homes and wooden houses are time-honoured traditions. Those who appreciate the rustic elegance of exposed wood will be pleased to know that modern, energy-efficient materials and components can be hidden behind the walls of authentic half-logs and decorative finishes. Wood has excellent thermal conductivity and is considered one of the most sustainable forms of construction. Because wood is a lightweight building material, log and wooden houses require less rebar and smaller foundations, reducing the carbon footprint.
According to the North American Forest Products Industry, “Wood buildings release no carbon into the atmosphere during the life of the building. Wood stores more carbon than is emitted during its harvesting, production, transportation and installation, even when transported long distances.”
Pictured below is the first log home to pass Vail, Colorado’s stringent energy codes. Located on a secluded mountaintop, the home is powered by a freestanding solar panel array mounted on the ground nearby. With high-efficiency commercial-grade windows and other energy features, the home also has a backup generator.
The path to net zero
Almost all homes can be net zero, even homes that are 100 years old. Often referred to as “deep retrofit,” a home would undergo a series of efficiency measures as well as the installation or upgrade of appliances. The path to zero can be made in small steps, and a deep retrofit may not be achievable.
Start by requesting a Home Energy Assessment. Learn about the HERS Energy Score. HERS Energy Rater From the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Scorewhich also provides detailed instructions about the testing process and the ability to search for an assessor by zip code. Many utilities offer a free home energy assessment, and if there is a fee, it is often applied towards the purchase of any recommended efficiency measures.
About the Author
Anna DeSimone The author is Live in a home that rewards youhair: The Complete Guide to Net Zero and Energy Efficient HomesFeatures programs and resources for the United States and Canada.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on October 21, 2021 and updated in June 2024.
