Category: Inspiration Energy
Zero Energy Upgrades Could Cost Zero Dollars
A simple calculation shows how you can have a zero energy home for the same price as a conventional one, and keep the monthly savings in your pocket. Here’s how it worked for Bruce.
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Innovations in a 107-Year-Old Net Positive Victorian Retrofit
This “Net Zero Victorian” shows that a standard city house on a standard city lot in chilly Minneapolis can be renovated to be net zero in energy with no sacrifice in attractiveness, space, or comfort.
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Net Zero Energy Home Case Studies
Are you ready for a home that lives, works, and lasts better? The home of the future – a...
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The Idea Farm: A Custom, Eco-Friendly Farmhouse
This custom home is a sophisticated blend of rustic and refinement. Everything about it was purposefully planned for a couple committed to living close to the earth and following a lifestyle of simplicity. Affectionately named “The Idea Farm,” for its innovation in sustainable building practices, this home was only the 2nd new home in Minnesota to receive a Gold Rating by MN GreenStar.
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How to Make Your Home Net Positive on a Budget
John Livermore remodeled his home to make it produce more energy than it used. In addition to the dramatic energy savings, he zeroed out his home’s carbon footprint, stopped paying energy bills, increased comfort, improved his family’s health, and became the first renovated home in Massachusetts to produce more energy than it uses. Best of all – you can do it, too!
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The Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Insulation
Insulation is designed to reduce energy costs, so in that sense, any insulation could technically be considered green. But the manufacturing process, materials, and toxicity are other highly important factors to consider.
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RavenWindow: Natural Energy Management
RavenWindow smart glass windows respond daily to changing climactic conditions. During summer’s high temps, they darken to automatically reduce heat, glare, and unwanted solar heat gain. In winter, they let a maximum amount of light and warmth in. RavenWindow can also be customized to meet the needs of a climate zone.
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Crossway Passive House: An Unbelievable “Eco-Arch” in the Countryside
Architect Richard Hawkes of Hawkes Architecture, renowned for his sustainable designs, built his family home in the English countryside using Passivhaus (passive house) techniques. The iconic feature of this pioneering house is a scarily thin soaring arched roof. Watch this video to see inside and learn more about this magnificent home.
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