In Part One of this two-part series we show the real financial returns for zero energy homeowners. — “A penny saved is a penny earned,” according to Benjamin Franklin. Let’s start thinking about energy improvements as investments that bring a financial return. Here are four ways to evaluate the financial performance of zero energy homes. They all demonstrate that zero energy homeowners benefit financially, making zero a wise investment.

In Part One of a three-part series we look into health risks and the cost to society rising from conventional construction approaches. Most people are unaware of the health risks that permeate their homes. Ironically, all homes present dangers, but it is a deeper understanding of building science and greater attention to detail that make energy-efficient zero homes healthier than conventional ones. Part One of a three-part series lays out the risks and costs.

Swimming pools are great fun, but they have high running costs and a high carbon footprint. David Green cut both. Now his pool running cost is zero and so is its carbon footprint.

No matter where you live, there is financial assistance to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home and save money. These states are leading the pack, but even if you live elsewhere, you can still find technical and financial help.

For most people, developing a vacation rental would be about profit. For these two Washington state couples, it was about much more. Oh, and the profit is there too.

Every buyer wants an energy-efficient home, but there are so many factors to consider that many buyers become overwhelmed. Did you know that the energy performance of any home can be expressed in one simple-to-understand number? Here it is.

To stay competitive, a production builder must find a good balance between cost, price, and profit. Here’s the story of one builder who has successfully added high-performance, clean energy features to their standard offering. More importantly this builder has developed an elegant solution to the challenge of solar-powered homes producing energy when it is not needed by the grid.

A new study shows that the cost of zero energy homes is very close to that of homes built to code. Best of all, costs are dropping and the trend is expected to continue.

If you design, build or are otherwise involved in a new zero energy home or building, the Net Zero Energy Coalition wants to hear from you. They have been tracking the significant growth of zero energy buildings for several years. In 2017, there were 70% more projects than a year earlier. Submit your project for the annual inventory and be counted!

A zero carbon economy is possible in four steps.

Location is one of the first decisions made about a new home purchase, and it is one of the most consequential. While it may not occur to you that location affects energy efficiency… it does!

The only reason that most people feel that their new home is okay is that their old home was even worse.