Green Building
June 14, 2021
Products Used to Get to Zero
You can’t build or remodel a home on the path to zero without buying suitable materials and equipment. That’s why the Zero Energy Project offers a select list of product ideas that can smooth your path to zero. Check out the new products that have been recently added to the Zero Energy Product Directory!
Read ArticleJune 9, 2021
The Mythical Threat to Double-Stud Walls
When choosing a high-performance wall assembly, you have many choices. One of them is to build double-stud walls. The double-stud wall approach sometimes raises the concern that it will lead to mold growth and wood rot. Is this fear based in reality? Green Building Advisor checked it out and found that wood-moisture content and seasonal temperature fluctuations do not seem to create moisture problems in double-stud walls.
Read ArticleMay 6, 2021
How To Sell Zero To Anybody
Selling a zero energy home is just like selling a conventional one, except zero homes offer so much more. Connecting the buyer’s priorities to the added benefits of zero homes makes the sale easier and more profitable for everyone.
Read ArticleMarch 18, 2021
Factory-built Homes — Another Path to Zero
The future of residential construction will include more factory buildings. BrightBuilt Home builds modular homes that are modern, durable, and zero energy ready. The precision of factory construction is a perfect match for zero energy homes, and BrightBuilt has been building zero energy homes this way since 2010.
Read ArticleMarch 18, 2021
Bill Gates’ Path to Zero
He may no longer be the world’s richest man, but he still has some big ideas about reducing greenhouse gases. Gates’ latest book describes an ambitious, well-thought-out, set of climate actions needed to get to zero by 2050. Building efficiency and electric vehicles are just the “easy” part. Here are highlights from his plan for what must be done and how to make it happen. It's a must read for all who want to help avoid a climate disaster.
Read ArticleMarch 6, 2021
Find an Experienced Zero Energy Professional in our New Directory
Building or renovating a home? One key to success is hiring zero energy experienced construction professionals. Now you can find designers, builders, energy consultants, prefab companies and panel manufacturers that have already built to zero. Check out our new, expanded directory of zero energy construction professionals.
Read ArticleFebruary 8, 2021
Now, a More Climate-Friendly Spray Foam
Spray foam is used enthusiastically by many builders hoping to improve energy performance of their projects. But the hidden climate impact of conventional 2-pound, closed- cell foam is actually a huge step backward. A new generation of low global warming potential spray foam corrects this fatal flaw.
Read ArticleFebruary 6, 2021
Time to Build and Buy Homes that Power Electric Vehicles
Two trends are now converging that will promote a zero energy lifestyle. First, electric vehicle sales are poised to grow dramatically. Second, positive energy homes are growing in popularity. These homes create enough energy to supply all at-home energy use and much of the transportation energy for households. It's time for building professionals to build positive energy homes for homebuyers who will soon be driving and charging electric vehicles.
Read ArticleFebruary 5, 2021
Zero Energy Housing Market Could Double in 2021
The sixth annual inventory of zero energy homes has just been released. It shows considerable growth to almost 28,000 units. Projections indicate the number could double in 2021.
Read ArticleJanuary 8, 2021
Heat Pump Clothes Dryers — Ready for Prime Time
There is an elephant in the utility room. Clothes dryers have big energy appetites. As homes go all-electric, switching to heat pump technology for clothes drying will save energy and reduce carbon emissions, while reducing the wear and tear on your clothes.
Read ArticleNovember 9, 2020
Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning
Since before the dawn of civilization, humans have stayed comfortable by harnessing the forces of nature. These principles can also be applied in today’s homes and buildings to reduce or eliminate energy used for conventional air conditioning.
Read ArticleNovember 9, 2020
Low Carbon Concrete – Starting from the Ground Up
Concrete is the largest source of embodied carbon in buildings, but we can change that. “Green” concrete products are now available that range from somewhat lower carbon, to zero carbon, and carbon negative. Concrete may just flip from villain to hero when builders, designers, and homebuyers demand it.
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