Heat pumps are on track to replace heating systems that burn fossil fuels. Modern inverter-driven models can be extremely efficient, even at low outdoor temperatures, and they are capable of supplying all a home’s comfort needs. Here are three tips for builders and HVAC contractors to reach peak heat pump performance and keep customers happy.

The 2019 inventories of zero energy buildings show growth is strong in this important sector of the construction industry. New homes, apartments, and commercial buildings are increasing their share of the market at an impressive pace.

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles is an essential step in the transition to a post-carbon society. There will be challenges to making this transition to an all electric transportation system based on renewable energy. Luckily, positive energy buildings combined with modern transportation innovations may well be up to the task.

The US government may be moving backward on climate action, but cities and other local governments are forging ahead. Zero Energy Project has assembled a list of more than 400 cities and their climate action plans from around the US and Canada. View the locations on our interactive map or sort the list to find cities by name or population.

Good news! You can choose from more methods than ever before to reach the high levels of air tightness needed for zero energy construction. Many builders find it less expensive to seal the exterior structural sheathing. Here are six effective methods to consider.

Time has run out. A climate crisis is upon us. Only immediate and dramatic action can blunt the catastrophic consequences of a “hot house earth” scenario. There are a variety of actions that almost that every citizen of Planet Earth can take. Together we can make a real difference!

Ask people how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and most will say “improve energy efficiency.” That may be a step in the right direction, but it’s time to adopt a better measure – a building’s total carbon emissions.

Not everyone lives in a place or a situation that allows them to install their own solar panels. If you are among them, fear not! Here are four ways to source renewable power or at least compensate for the carbon emissions of the energy you use. These four methods make zero energy homes and buildings possible for everyone.

Although the price of solar panels has plunged in recent years, they are still the most expensive element of a zero energy home. It’s okay to defer installing panels until the time is right. Here’s how to plan your zero energy ready home so it’s ready for solar when you are.

This question is becoming more common as we begin to move past zero energy homes into the realm of positive energy. Homes can do more than power themselves. They can also put a huge dent in the energy use and carbon emissions from our personal transportation.

When you eliminate the cost of energy from your monthly budget, you also give your buying power a boost. With the right financing, energy efficiency is an investment that pays for itself. Here are several options for energy aware financing that will enhance the buying power of zero.

People don’t always make rational choices. Why would a home buyer purchase a conventional home that is actually more expensive overall than a high-performance home? It’s all about how people assess risk. Erase40 provides a tool to help homebuyers make better decisions.