The most valuable asset of any building is the people inside. Many of the benefits of zero energy buildings directly benefit these occupants. Keeping building occupants happy, healthy and productive may be the most important bottom line benefit of zero energy commercial buildings.

Electricity powers virtually all zero energy homes, while most conventionally-built homes use natural gas for space and water heating. Why is that? In a nutshell it has to do with cost, efficiency, and climate change.

Adobe Builders set out to create affordable, zero energy homes in Seattle. They reduced cost with good design, placing a priority on the building shell and developing an efficient construction process.

Real estate professionals should enhance their home energy performance capabilities in today’s evolving residential market, or risk falling behind those who do.

Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, outlines the case for building and designing zero energy and zero energy ready homes.

Have you ever tried to explain what makes a zero energy building better? It’s harder than it seems to explain a sometimes complicated theory in a clear and compelling way. Sam Raskin, Chief Architect at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, shares how we can improve zero energy home marketing.

If you wanted to be called a business genius, you would look to future for the “next big thing,” right? Here’s a hot tip: renewable energy and energy efficiency are the job creators of the future.

Cities, large and small, are taking the lead in reducing carbon emissions and moving rapidly to adopt zero energy policies. 2030 is the target year for many of these urban zero energy initiatives. Now is the time for building professionals to develop the skills they will need to take advantage of this growing trend.

Remember the days of the trusty solar thermal water heater? For single-family homes, there is a newer and cheaper technology - one that even a solar purist can embrace.

Local governments must now take the lead to move ahead on energy efficiency. One city that shows how it’s done is Menlo Park, California. A nonprofit community organization called Menlo Spark paves the way to better buildings and transportation and resiliency in the face of an uncertain climate future.

Whole neighborhoods of zero energy homes are springing up around the country as consumers embrace the trend. Several national homebuilders have joined a growing number of smaller production builders to make zero energy homes the norm.

Home energy ratings are gaining acceptance, because they benefit consumers and housing industry professionals alike. Ratings support the value of efficient homes in the market, give builders a tool to optimize their designs, and support energy improvement financing.