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The Beeler Pathway to Net Zero Energy
By Stacey Meinzen
A net-zero energy building (NZEB) is a building with zero net energy
• Installed high-efficiency, drip irrigation, using shallow well
• Replaced old toilet with 0.8 gallon flush
• Upgraded to water-efficient fixtures and appliances, shower/tub gray water
consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building annually is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. Under California’s Building code, Title 24, all new residential construction is to be Zero Net Energy by 2020 with all new commercial buildings achieving this goal by 2030. In a sense, all California building owners are already somewhere on the path to Net Zero Energy, even if they are only at the beginning.
system
• Used ACEEE appliance guide to find the most efficient appliances (top 10% of
This series follows inspired Sonoma County residents on their journey toward Net Zero Energy. Many of the technologies discussed can be financed by the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). Contact the SCEIP office at 707-565-6470 or visit sonomacountyenergy.org for more details.
installed
• Added R-50 blown-in cellulose attic insulation, R-13 dense-pack cellulose
As part of the Thousand Home Challenge, George and Ellen Beeler have done a deep energy retrofit on their house, reducing their energy use about 90 percent and moving them ever closer to a Zero Net Energy home.
studs) with non-corrosive/toxic borax fire retardant/insecticide.
• Replaced aluminum windows with Low-E2 glass in fiberglass frames • Replaced existing furnace with a 96%-efficient condensing natural gas
About the Thousand Home Challenge (THC)
speed blower
• Added zone control for heating rooms independently
• Installed a large roof top turbine ventilator for passive night cooling
• Resource Conservation
• Recycled 100% of cardboard, metal, and paper construction waste
• Reused 75% of wood, plywood, and siding construction waste
• Gave old windows to a friend for reuse in a greenhouse
• Salvaged bricks used for permeable paving (brick on sand bed and sand
The purpose of the Challenge is to help citizens find solutions that address housing affordability and durability, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The main criterion for success is at least a 75 percent reduction in annual net energy consumption, but water use and carbon emissions are also considered. The THC also supports local green collar jobs.
joints)
• Used FSC-certified lumber, trusses, and plywood for new roof framing
• Transportation-Related Emissions Reductions
• Selected house within walking distance of grocery store, post office, & bank • Bought electric vehicle
George and Ellen’s energy use reductions are stunning. George is adamant that a very large portion of the gains in energy efficiency in their home are due to behavioral changes.
What the Beelers did
Energy and Water Conservation
What the Beelers do (behavior)
• Changed all incandescent lights to fluorescent or CFL
• Changed to laptop computer and LCD displays
• Replaced conventional water heater with on-demand hot water pump
• Pay attention to all resource use
• Frequently adjust thermostat and close dampers to rooms not used
those qualifying for Energy Star)
• Paid $100 more for the refrigerator and saved $1,000 when the PV system was
wall insulation (2x4 studs), and R-20 dense-pack cellulose wall insulation (2x6
furnace that includes a two-level gas burner and high-efficiency variable
ENERGY cont’d on page 25
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