We have families already living in Net Zero homes here in Verrado. It will be interesting to see how their energy bill nets out once they have been in the home for over a year. Now that we are past the hot Phoenix summer these homes should be sending energy back to the grid.
Amy Hayslettof AZ8:30AM November 13, 2011
Those who seek greater detail on next generation housing, based on the past 25+ years of hard work of building scientists, will not be disappointed by the 236page BUILDERS CHALLENGE GUIDE TO 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates (quite a title, eh?).
Everything is real. Case studies document houses 40% better than energy code that cost less to own than "biz as usual." Even "zero" energy models sold quickly. Projects are loaded with practical and replicable practices.
"40% better" takes builders and buyers up the learning curve at warp speed.
John Porterfieldof IL10:50PM September 08, 2011
As an energy efficient builder in Southeastern WI, our Company, Preservation Homes, Inc. has been committed to improving performance of our homes for almost 7 years. We debuted our "Energy Free Home" last year, this is a home that has a hers score of "0", it produces a bit more energy than it consumes. The reality is, however, that building this way does cost more money, period. The good news is that the additional expense to do so, when added to the mortgage, still causes the buyer to net a lower total monthly operating expense the first month of ownership (mortgage + utility costs). Considering average annual energy cost increases, its clear that savings over the term of the mortgage will exceed $200,000. Further, when the home may be sold in 10 years, its utility bill history will enhance the sale value, especially by then many more new homes will be incorporating these technologies...this will make the "used" home much more attrative to potential buyers.
Jeff Aubergerof WI9:41AM August 31, 2011
It is great news to hear Camberley Homes has decided to build a demonstration home with DOE's Build America Program. I hope more projects like this evolve to show homebuilders across the country thtat building energy efficient homes don’t need to cost more and there is a demand for these homes. However, the title of this article is deceiving us to suggest this first home is near net zero. A HERS rating of 53 suggests the project is an efficient home, probably with some good air sealing and insulation quality. Note that a rating of 53 is only HALF WAY to achieving net zero energy, as a home which produces all the energy it uses would have a HERS rating of 0 (zero).
skof IL1:21PM August 23, 2011
I think it is also worth mentioning the importance of searchable fields within Multiple Listing Service (MLS) systems so that energy efficiency metrics, certifications, and attributes can be marketed as a feature in a home for sale. Many efforts such as the MLS Energy Project, Green MLS Tool Kit, etc. are underway within MLS service areas across the US, but much more outreach and education is needed for real estate professionals to become aware of and pass along information to their clients on the various resources available for consumers wishing to purchase an energy efficient home or to make efficiency improvements to their present home. Ask your local MLS what information they have available on this topic. If none, I believe if you point them to MLS efforts in upstate NY, Tucson AZ, Portland OR, Vermont, or other regions where a place has been or is being created on MLS to record efficiency related and/or "green" data, they could start thinking about how this data can work for their MLS.
L Diffenback-MLS Energy Projectof NY11:41AM August 23, 2011
As consumers continue to find ways to maximize savings in their pocket book energy costs still rise and with over 128,000,000 existing homes of which 74% where built before 1990 more a more americans are realizing that these homes function like buying a $8 MPG Car and they want changes. Unfortunately there is not much to offer in assistance to retrofit homes in the US. Currently we have the FHA 203k and Energy Efficient MTG to assist and it can change the landscape of this country overnight, but for whatever reason we have realtors, lenders, bankers, and general public perception that when you buy a house you get a traditional mortgage not a renovation or energy efficient mortgage. More needs to be done to educate the general public that this exists. Look no further than the FHA 203K program as it has seen 700% growth since 2007 but still only makes up a small fraction of total closed loans in the US.
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Amy Hayslett of AZ 8:30AM November 13, 2011
John Porterfield of IL 10:50PM September 08, 2011
Jeff Auberger of WI 9:41AM August 31, 2011
sk of IL 1:21PM August 23, 2011
L Diffenback-MLS Energy Project of NY 11:41AM August 23, 2011
BoKnowsMortgages of MS 11:14PM August 21, 2011