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
From Carbon Neutral to Carbon Positive: How Your Home Can Give Back to the Planet and You!
Carbon positive homes take the concept of carbon-neutral design one step further by producing more energy on-site than the building requires to operate — sending energy back to the grid and setting a new standard of sustainable living. We achieve carbon positive homes by building with low embodied carbon materials and creating an energy surplus under operation.
5 reasons why your next kitchen appliance should be an induction cooktop
By Lauren Feldis Induction technology makes cooking faster, easier, and safer than ever before! Consumers have been continuously impressed by induction ranges since they were first introduced in North America by Frigidaire. At a 1950s “World Fair”...
Palo Alto Net Zero Energy House Shows You Can Have It All
Building a Beacon Stuart is a man on a mission and his home is just one testament to his drive. I have always enjoyed nature and spending time outdoors (hiking, mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing, mountaineering). When I started reading about climate change...
Tesla Solar Roof Shingles
Solar Roof shingles are both green and gorgeous. With an integrated Powerwall battery you’ll effectively turn your home into a personal utility! Plus, they’re so durable they’re warrantied for the lifetime of your house, or infinity, whichever comes first.
Meritage Net Zero Energy reNEWable Home
Residential homebuilders Meritage and Hanley Wood set out to rethink the way homes are built. The result is a safer, more comfortable, healthier home that promotes family connectivity, integrates technology seamlessly and challenges the very materials and processes used in conventional construction.
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.
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.
A Roadmap to Building Affordable Zero Energy Homes
To achieve zero energy, designers and builders everywhere are employing an array of design concepts, product choices, and financing approaches. Because there are so many ideas, it seems appropriate to offer a quick rundown of the most cost-effective measures for getting to zero energy.
Net Zero Energy Home Products
A net zero energy home doesn't have to look any different than any other home, but there are certain products that are better suited than others to help you achieve your net zero energy goals. Here are some examples.
Net Zero Energy Home Case Studies
Are you ready for a home that lives, works, and lasts better? The home of the future - a better home - is available today. Take a virtual tour of homes that are so energy efficient a renewable energy system can offset all or most of their annual energy consumption....
“The Love Shack” – A Net-Zero Energy Home in North Carolina
Against the backdrop of North Carolina’s Lake Fontana, Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, perched on a steep hillside, you will find the “Love Shack.” The “Love Shack,” is far from what anyone would consider a ‘shack.’
Sense – High Resolution Home Energy Monitor
Track energy use over time. Monitor energy throughout the month to make sure you stay on track. Set device-level notification. Enable alerts when the garage door opens or the sump pump turns on. Identify sources of energy waste. Find energy hogs, identify your energy baseload, and how much it’s costing you. Keep tabs on your home. Check whether the oven is still on, or whether the drain pump is running.
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.
Rick Thompson
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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