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There’s a goose egg in their name, but don’t
be fooled: studies show that zero-energy ZER -ENERGY
homes are growing in number and popularity.
showed an uptick of single-family home HOMES ADD UP
Findings from the 2017 SmartMarket Brief
builders who are developing zero, near-zero Net-Zero Energy Coalition report noted several
or zero-energy ready homes. A report released high-volume projects under development that
by the Net-Zero Energy Coalition also indicates have committed to or are considering the U.S.
growth in this sector of the market.
Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home
A true zero-energy home generates as much certificate. These include a community outside
renewable energy as it consumes, a near of Denver with about 4,000 units and a home
zero-energy home consumes slightly more development in Arizona with roughly 3,000 units.
energy than it produces and a zero-energy Bryant says technological advances and
ready home is an energy-efficient home that consumer interest will motivate builders and
can be converted to zero with the addition consumers to consider net-zero homes. But he
of renewable energy. These distinct home admits there are inherent challenges with this
characteristics are often grouped together, so type of construction.
it is important to know the difference.
In his case, the trees and mountains in Asheville
“It’s still a small percentage of the market, can limit sun exposure and thus the ability to
but builders are excited about it. They want to generate solar power. “You have to remember
do it,” said Brandon Bryant, an Asheville, N.C.- that not every site is possible,” he said.
based green builder and member of the NAHB NAHB Energy and Green Codes and Standards
Board of Directors. Bryant is owner of Red Tree Subcommittee Chairman Jim Zengel agreed.
Builders, whose portfolio includes net-zero
homes. Bryant includes high-performance “Zero-energy building is an innovative way to
windows, geo-thermal heating and cooling foster sustainability and healthy living, and I am
systems, sealed duct work, reclaimed encouraged by its increase in market share,”
and recycled wood, Energy Star-certified he said. “But zero-energy activities must remain
appliances and other green features into his voluntary. Builders and home buyers should
projects. decide if it is the best approach to take for their
projects.”
The construction of zero-energy buildings
should continue to gain momentum. The NAHB DEC 2017
JANUARY 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 13
