New homes and buildings will stand for decades, if not centuries. The carbon emissions embodied in the building materials and resulting from the manufacturing and construction processes must be factored into their overall carbon footprints. These four steps will get us started on the path to zero carbon.

With only a few years left to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we must move rapidly toward a zero carbon society. Direct action is essential, but can’t happen fast enough. Carbon credits must play an important role in the transition.

If you’ve ever heard that a mini-split heat pump wasn’t fulfilling its potential there is no mystery — the problem was almost certainly errors in design or installation. Here’s everything that needs to happen for a proper installation and reliable performance.

Zero energy homes are poised to go mainstream. Large builders have the scale necessary to launch the market into this new territory. Homebuyers save and builders profit.

Heat pump water heaters have been available for several years and are gradually gaining acceptance in new construction as well as in the replacement market. Here is guidance for the best application of this technology with an emphasis on colder climates.

Upgrading the energy performance of walls in an existing home is the most challenging aspect of a deep energy retrofit. One of these eight options will work for just about any zero energy renovation.

Real estate appraisers and mortgage lenders have never embraced the market value of energy efficient homes despite convincing evidence. A new study by Freddie Mac provides more data in support of this added value.

Energy waste is rampant in the American economy. If waste were cut in half, it would reduce carbon emissions the same amount as closing all coal-fired power plants in the US. Each of us can make choices to help reduce this waste.

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.

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!