Imagine a world where a builder can set a precise level of building air tightness, pay one contractor to deliver it, and reach the same performance standard on every home. That world is here... today.

One payoff of a super insulated building envelope is a smaller heating and cooling system. Achieving the payoff requires HVAC contractors to plan and implement the project a bit differently than a typical one.

High-performance homes deserve high-performance ventilation. BuildEquinox now offers a second generation ventilation system with an integrated heat pump and sophisticated user-friendly controls.

Designers and builders may need to make adjustments in their homes when California implements its upcoming zero energy building code for homes. Those adjustments are spelled out and illustrated in this new booklet. It’s a great guide for zero energy home design no matter where you live.

Third-party certifier, Earth Advantage, has evolved their zero energy home standards to make it easier for builders to include natural gas in their zero energy homes. Here’s what they did.

Green building pioneer, Stephen Aiguier, reflects on how Green Hammer has embraced the highest level of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability by successfully integrating design and construction into a highly refined, unified design build process.

Teamwork is the key to building zero energy homes that are functional and beautiful.

Organic farming is his first love, but he also has a talent for energy-efficient home design and construction. When clients hire Bud Barta and his sons to build a top-quality home, they get advanced energy efficiency, too.

Thick walls hold lots of insulation, but there’s a nagging question about condensation in these cavities. I actually measured the moisture in a 10-inch, double-stud wall in my home in Central Oregon. Here’s what I found.

Saving energy saves money, but sometimes financing can be challenging. This report from Rocky Mountain Institute identifies the main barriers for lending options on energy efficiency and how to overcome them.

How can can costs be cut on the construction of affordable zero energy homes? This Habitat for Humanity zero energy home demonstration project documented $3,000 in construction cost savings.

Energy efficiency pays for itself. If you design well, build smart and finance correctly, energy savings will take you all the way to a zero energy home.