What if your home was so efficient that it produced as much energy as it used? What if you never had to pay another electricity bill? Green dreams like this are coming true all over the world. Whether you’re building or remodeling, a net zero energy home is well within your grasp. And, we really want you to have one.
Buildings are tremendous users of electricity, accounting for more than 70% of electricity use in the U.S. If we can get to net zero, we can make a huge difference in the fight against climate change. So, we’ve assembled tons of resources to try to make it as easy as possible for every homeowner (or soon-to-be) to take the necessary steps to create an ultra-efficient home (without sacrificing beauty, comfort, or your bank account).
STEP 1: Scroll through this page to find the best place for you to start.
(Really, take 30 seconds to scroll through the whole page before clicking. We want to make your journey as efficient and effective as possible and that means finding the right place to dive in.)
Net Zero Homes 101
The Best Sustainable Home Design Podcasts On Now
Deep dive into sustainable home design with our top-rated podcasts—green tech, consultants, real estate, resilience, and more. Your eco-inspiration starts here!
SIP Home Construction: The Future Standard for Speed and Value
SIP-built may cost more up front than conventional stick-built, but thrifty construction and long-term cost savings offer all kinds of comfort and value.
Casa Zero: A Home Where (Microscopic) Life Flourishes
Focusing on craftsmanship, salvaged materials, and biophilia, CarbonShack’s first branded home achieved LEED Platinum with a West Coast–shingle mashup style.
The Definitive Guide to Guest Houses and ADUs
We’ve put together a guide to today’s top prefab ADU manufacturers to help you find an option that fits your style and budget.
Buying an NZE Home? You Need a Green Real Estate Agent
Sure there’s ratings and certifications… But a green real estate agent on your side provides expertise, invaluable guidance, and a commitment to a better future
Start with SIP Panels: Cost Savings, Efficiency, Health, Resilience
Architects and builders continue to innovate with structural insulated panels (SIPs), proving the benefits of affordable, healthier, and more resilient homes.
Fernwood Demonstrates Affordable Net-Positive Eco-Renovation
A modest, Arts and Crafts–style home was lovingly renovated to the highest green standards. Today it’s healthy, beautiful, and budget-friendly.
5 Ways Community Solar Empowers Solar for All
The benefits of solar aren’t just limited to those who install solar themselves. Community solar allows almost anyone to reap the rewards with no upfront costs.
Resilient Solar Town Rides Out 1-in-1,000–Year Hurricane
This resilient community thrives on 1500MW of solar power, its own water-treatment plant, and surrounding wetlands for natural beauty and stormwater management.
![2 Reasons to Certify an Existing Home for Sale [Podcast]](https://elemental.green/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sustainble-real-estate-transaction-c-400x250.jpg)
2 Reasons to Certify an Existing Home for Sale [Podcast]
Brett Vredevoogd and Pamela Brookstein join host Marla Esser Cloos to talk about IRA money and how certifications can impact real estate and appraisals.
Green Concrete: The Foundation for a Sustainable Home
New, green concrete options are emerging to help lower the embodied carbon of homes and buildings and achieve global climate goals.
Electrifying? You May Not Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade
Abandoning gas for all-electric appliances? The electrical panel is the unsung hero of any home electrification project.
Don't have time for research? How can we help?
The beautiful thing about high performance, green, net zero homes is that families can drastically reduce their carbon footprint with one simple decision without having to make any sacrifices. Living in this kind of home is not only better for the earth but also provides a more comfortable living experience and higher quality of life for its inhabitants.
Renewable Energy
Generate your own, buy it, or do a little of both. Any way you go, go with renewables. Learn how.
Books
Want to peruse the pages of a book? These are filled with gorgeous green homes and priceless advice. View books.
Net Zero Heroes
We created a Net Zero Hero Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate leaders in the field and to shine a light on the possibilities. View the Hall of Fame.
Energy Efficiency
You’ve probably read thousands of energy efficiency tips, these are the ones that really matter. Learn more.
Videos
Prefer to learn by watching? Here are videos for net-zero beginners, advanced, and everything in between. See videos.
Homes for sale
Looking to buy instead of build or renovate? Net zero energy homes are increasingly popping up in the real estate market. Click through to browse.
Rebates, Grants & More
Find national, state, and local financial incentives for making the net zero energy home leap. Learn more.
Case Studies
Get into the nitty-gritty details of net-zero energy homes with these in-depth studies of their inner workings. Learn more.
Net Zero Products
A NZE home doesn’t have to look different, but there are certain products that are better suited to help you achieve your energy goals. Click through to browse.
EXPLORE INSPIRING NET ZERO ENERGY HOMES
FIND NET-ZERO ENERGY HOME PROS
Even though net-zero energy home building and renovation is still relatively new to the landscape, there are many pros out there ready to help you. If you’re looking for hands-on help in your neighborhood, here’s a directory of pros – architects, builders, HVAC, and more. Hiring pros familiar with the ins and outs of net-zero will save you the headaches of trying to get someone up to speed, and the time and money non-experts will burn through.
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Percent of total energy use buildings account for in US
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Percent of CO2 emissions buildings are responsible for
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![10 Steps Toward a Zero Energy Home [Infographic]](https://elemental.green/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cbfb-440x264.jpg)
