Energy purchases are the second largest line item in most school budgets. That’s like throwing money away. Schools that have embraced high-performance improvements \save money and improve learning outcomes. Financing is the key to their success.

Uncertainty looms ahead for the zero energy movement. Don’t get discouraged. Get active! We’ve got 7 close-to-home actions you can take now to propel the movement forward.

Better comfort sets zero energy homes apart from conventional ones. Add the concept of radiant temperatures to your sales pitch.

Long-term, low-cost financing means that owners and renters will see immediate financial benefits from energy efficiency improvements. Property-Assessed Clean Energy programs are sprouting up around the U.S. to address the need. Maybe your area has such a program.

Batteries for homes and businesses enhance the effectiveness of grid-connected buildings. Solar owners, electric utilities and rate payers all benefit from this new level of grid integration.

The cost of solar electric systems has plunged by 5 to 8% in just the last year, making zero energy homes financially feasible for more middle-income homeowners. This is a great time for you to encourage homebuyers to include solar in the homes you are building for them. This trend will help you make the case for solar to your customers.

Think about an idea that many professional chefs have already discovered. Electric induction cooktops are faster, more responsive and, yes, more efficient. This technology could replace gas as the cooking fuel of choice in the next home you build. Value added energy saving technologies like this will help your homes stand out from the rest.

Sports arenas around the world are joining the zero energy wave. Your next game could be carbon-neutral. If football stadia can become zero energy, shouldn’t the homes we build be zero energy too?

Although the trend is just beginning, electric vehicles will eventually replace fossil fuel burners. Why not be ahead of the curve and future proof your next zero energy home by including extra solar generating capacity to supply enough electricity for the household and for transportation. This will satisfy the top two household energy uses.

Insulation and air sealing are key components of a successful zero energy building envelope.

Zero energy homes represent an investment that pays for itself immediately.