Green Building
November 18, 2019
Energy Efficiency is Necessary but Not Nearly Sufficient!
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.
Read ArticleNovember 15, 2019
When Rooftop Solar is Not an Option
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.
Read ArticleNovember 14, 2019
Planning Your Zero Energy Ready Home
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.
Read ArticleOctober 21, 2019
How many solar panels does it take to power an electric car?
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.
Read ArticleOctober 18, 2019
Zero Net Energy Buildings with Zero Net Added Cost
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.
Read ArticleSeptember 10, 2019
We Electrified Everything – and So Can You!
This middle-class family disconnected from fossil methane and saved money. See their step-by-step approach to powering their home and car with renewable energy.
Read ArticleSeptember 9, 2019
LEED v4.1 Goes Zero
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced an update to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the most widely used green building program in the world. What’s new with LEED version 4.1? Net zero certifications for carbon, energy, water and waste. With these certifications and and its upgraded recertification program, LEED is truly a leader in encouraging climate-friendly green buildings.
Read ArticleSeptember 6, 2019
Making the Connection: Green Buildings and Transportation
For decades, buildings have been influenced by transportation trends. But the reverse is also true: transportation can be influenced through building location and design. It’s time for green building professionals to make both buildings and their associated transportation carbon-neutral.
Read ArticleJuly 14, 2019
Zero Energy: the Ultimate in Green Building
Energy efficiency is at the core of all green building certification programs. It’s time to ratchet up these modest improvements to make homes as green as they can be by operating them entirely with clean energy.
Read ArticleJune 18, 2019
Getting to Zero: Utilities and Industry
The future is electric and the power will come mostly, if not entirely, from renewable sources. In Part Two of Energizing the Green New Deal, we get specific about strategies that utilities and heavy industry can utiliz e to address climate change and make a profit at the same time. Utilities will play a central role in guiding development of renewable resources and efficient ways to deploy them. Industry may present the greatest challenges, but there are existing technologies to smooth the transition, plus smart incentives and new technologies in the pipeline.
Read ArticleApril 8, 2019
Everybody Wins with Zero Energy Homes!
High performance homes are a great investment for the homebuyer, no matter how you measure it, as described in Part One of this series. But there are also many non-monetary benefits for the homeowner. These highly efficient homes are a win for everyone involved, including builders, realtors, lenders and utilities. Here’s a powerful list.
Read ArticleApril 8, 2019
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality in Zero Energy Renovations
When addressing indoor air quality, let’s not leave out existing homes and buildings. The same principles that make new zero energy buildings more healthy can also be applied to existing homes, whether during minor upgrades or major renovations. The return is in improved health and comfort. This is the final installment of our three-part series on indoor air quality and health.
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