Page 36 - Green Builder Jan-Feb 2020 Issue
P. 36
The right stuff. A bevy of
sustainable devices, from
WaterSense-labeled faucets
to ENERGY STAR®-certified
appliances, keep the Monroe
Farmhouse as enviro-friendly
on the inside as it is outside.
COURTESY OF IMERY GROUP
Project Stats That’s an annual savings of $2,837 compared
EXTREME EFFICIENCY to the average, new U.S. home. According
NAME: Monroe Farmhouse, Monroe, Ga. Since the home’s completion in December to the Zero Energy Project, the total cost
BUILDER: Luis Imery, Imery Group 2018 and review by a third-party green of ownership of a zero-energy-ready
PHOTOGRAPHER: Imery Group; Mitsubishi Electric verier, Home Performance Solutions, the home is less than that of a similarly sized,
Trane HVAC US (METUS)
residence has exceeded the entire project conventional new home—not to mention,
team’s expectations. With the solar panels, an environmentally conscious decision.
it’s not cannibalizing heat—and half indoors the home has a confirmed Residential With such great energy savings, Kuntz
to provide hot water, and heating and cooling Energy Services Network (RESNET) Home can’t help but advocate for performance
to the rest of the downstairs space. When Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score building. “The proof is in the results,” he
in air-conditioning mode, it’s capturing heat of minus 13. For a conventional, new build says. “The whole notion of creating a home
inside the house and putting it in the water. home, RESNET references a HERS score of like this is that you can reap the benets
It’s essentially gathering free heat.” 100. The Georgia Building Code goes even of no energy costs, low maintenance and
Extending the concept of free energy a further, requiring a HERS index of 90. extremely comfortable conditions without
bit further, Kuntz also had an electric car The home also ocially meets DOE Zero giving up window space, airy rooms and
charging station installed in the garage and Energy Ready Home, ENERGY STAR®, nice design.”
plans to one day add a bi-directional charger. EPA Indoor airPLUS and EarthCraft™ In October 2019, the home was recognized
“My expectation is to provide living and certications, and exceeds the 2009 and 2012 with a DOE Housing Innovation Award as
transportation energy on a net-zero basis,” International Energy Conservation Code® a Grand Winner in the small custom home
he says. “With the solar panels installed, the (IECC). category. And, it’s the Grand Winner in
expectation is that my energy generation will In addition, with the solar panels, Kuntz’s this year’s Green Builder Home of the Year
oset my usage, including my electric vehicles.” projected energy costs per year total $120. competition.
34 GREEN BUILDER January/February 2020 www.greenbuildermedia.com
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