Page 54 - Green Builder Magazine Jan-Feb 2018 Issue

NET-ZERO READY?

F TRENDS ARE ANY INDICATION, net-zero-energy (NZE) homes will soon be
everywhere. To Zero and Beyond, an inventory of NZE residential projects
in the U.S. and Canada, shows that the number of NZE units grew by 33
I percent in 2016, compared to the baseline inventory conducted in 2015.
“A lot of people think net zero is pie in the sky. But it’s happening now,” says CREDIT: ACCELLA
Dan Varvais, West Coast regional manager for Accella, which provided spray
foam insulation and the roof coating for The Flex House. “Often, it’s a matter Locked in. The owners of the LinkedIn building committed to NZE when
of commitment.” undertaking a major retrofit.
He points to a recent commercial project, a 1970s concrete building when comparing the 2016 map of NZE buildings to the previous year’s, it’s
owned by LinkedIn, which was retrofitted to improve daylighting and energy clear that the movement is starting to expand.
efficiency. Accella provided spray foam insulation and a new acrylic roof for When contemplating NZE, the first thing many builders want to know is how
the retrofit, which also included much extra it’s going to cost. But Edminster says that’s the wrong question.
new skylights and the addition “The right question is, what do I need to do differently to achieve this?” she
of a 245-kW solar PV array. The says. Builders should also apply design thinking rather than taking an “applique
company is seeking Net Zero approach” to net-zero buildings, she adds. “Builders who begin with NZE
Energy certification for the building in Sunnyvale, Calif. integrated as one of the project goals distinguish themselves in the market
California is leading the charge for NZE buildings. This is not surprising, given and will have an advantage once stricter energy codes come online,” she notes.
the State’s mandate that by 2020, all new residential construction must be Either way, the NZE wave is coming. “You can either pretend it’s not
net zero. (All commercial buildings must meet the standard by 2030.) Ann happening and pretend that you don’t have to evolve,” Edminster says, “or you
Edminster, net-zero and green building consultant, believes a combination can say, ‘I believe this thing is coming’ and actually design to make it happen.”
of policy and grassroots activity creates “hotbeds” of NZE construction. But Read the latest NZE buildings report here: http://bit.ly/2tplcXc

THE FLEX HOUSE PROJECT SPONSORS

On the Horizon: The next article on The Flex House will focus on the Smart Home 2.0 technology that the home is demonstrating at the Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We will also provide updates on the marketing and production of The Flex House as information becomes available.

52 GREEN BUILDER January/February 2018 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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