Twelve Steps to Affordable Zero Energy Home Design and Construction

Extremely Energy Efficient Homes Building and designing affordable zero energy homes – the ultimate in energy efficiency – involves 12 integrated steps that utilize commonly available building materials and equipment…

Passive House Busts High Cost Myth

…simple design, lots of insulation, super air sealing and modest package of mechanical equipment. The result attracted quite a lot of attention, including the 2017 Passive House of the Year…

12 Advantages of Zero Energy Homes

Bill Gates’ Path to Zero

…a wide variety of easy off-the-shelf technologies, such as heat pumps, solar panels, induction stove tops, electric vehicle chargers, advanced air sealing, super insulation, and high-efficiency factory homes. These technologies…

Everybody Wins with Zero Energy Homes!

…Healthier homes with better indoor air quality due to fresh, filtered air from an advanced ventilation system, resulting in less sickness and better cognitive functioning A more evenly heated, comfortable…

Remodeling to Zero Energy: Inspiring Stories

…on added insulation and by sealing air leaks. Installing a clothesline was one of the first things they did to reduce their energy usage. The couple also made a few…

From Disaster to Opportunity: Rebuild for the 21st Century

…calamities. Additional insulation, air sealing, and higher equipment efficiency will pay for themselves in energy savings. There’s a great cost to society, too, for failing to build advanced homes. Well-built…

Zero Energy Project Newsletter – March 2022

…Air Sealing – by Sealed Tired of wasting money? Air sealing is the easiest and most affordable way to make your home comfortable and energy efficient. Learn how in 2 minutes….

Builder Profile: Solaire Homebuilders

…passive solar energy and designing interior spaces around the heat and light of the sun. Soon after, they began beefing up the building shell with blown-in wall insulation, air-sealing techniques,…

DOE Targets Air Leaks in Path to Zero Carbon

…means that any zero-carbon strategy must address this sector and its complex ownership structures, small individual building sizes, and diverse architectures. Air leakage Air leakage (infiltration) is the primary driver…

Schools Should Buy Books not Energy

…free solar heat in winter. Daylighting can slash lighting costs, especially since schools are used primarily during daylight hours. Extra insulation, better air sealing and other improvements to the thermal…

Banish “Payback”

…and reduced my cost to $21,206. However, I was able to reduce construction costs by doing most of the air sealing and installing the ventilation system myself. Including sweat equity,…