Policy and Advocacy
December 10, 2020
Five Things I Learned From Buying a Used Electric Car
If you’re thinking about an electric vehicle, but have been put off by the purchase price, you might consider a used vehicle. With the growing availability of new EVs, early adopters are trading in their older models for new technology, creating an affordable option for others.
Read ArticleDecember 9, 2020
How to Find Common Ground with Climate Skeptics
Most people feel as if society is at a stalemate. Opinions are stuck and steadfast. Tempers flare. Finding common ground with others is more important — and more difficult — than ever. Try these techniques to move toward solutions.
Read ArticleDecember 9, 2020
Give a Holiday Gift to the Environment
Tired of giving “stuff” as holiday gifts? Here’s an idea for holiday generosity that benefits the planet and your peeps.
Read ArticleDecember 8, 2020
Causes for Optimism
One thing everyone agrees on: 2020 has been hard to take. In spite of protests, pandemic, and politics, there are some spots that burn brighter amidst the darkness. Here are a few developments on the path to zero that deserve our gratitude, support and celebration.
Read ArticleNovember 9, 2020
Energy-Efficient Low-Income Apartments
People living in old apartment buildings often find themselves caught in a bind. They are stuck with high energy bills and have no reasonable path to make improvements. Here are measures that building owners can take to increase the value of their buildings while benefiting residents.
Read ArticleOctober 15, 2020
Builders – Get Ready for the Renewable Energy Revolution
The construction landscape is changing rapidly and one of the major drivers is the revolution in renewable energy. These six renewable technology innovations are already shaping the market for new homes. Designers and builders who understand and take advantage of these changes will ride the wave. Those that don’t may just wipe out.
Read ArticleSeptember 11, 2020
Protect Homebuyers, Reward Efficiency
Economists often say that markets make the best decisions. But that can be true only when markets have accurate and complete information. Today, the housing market is flying blind regarding one of the most important characteristics of a home: energy use. The solution is mandatory energy disclosure at the time of sale. It’s good for buyers, sellers and the climate.
Read ArticleSeptember 11, 2020
Zero Fulfills Human Needs at All Levels
A good product meets real human needs. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a powerful framework for converting those needs into effective messaging to homebuyers. To sell more zero energy homes, sellers need to link the needs of home buyers with the many tangible benefits of zero energy homes.
Read ArticleAugust 15, 2020
Fast-tracking Building Energy Retrofits
At current rates, most offices and homes will not be retrofitted for decades or even centuries to acceptable levels of energy efficiency. One approach is mandatory building performance standards—requiring existing buildings to meet a performance benchmark (energy or carbon intensity, performance rating, etc.), with owners having multiple years to bring buildings into compliance.
Read ArticleJuly 22, 2020
Grow Your Business: Join the National Marketing Campaign for Zero
A national marketing campaign to build awareness of zero energy homes is coming soon from Team Zero. Everyone in the zero energy value chain will see more demand and higher sales from this collaborative generic marketing effort. Check it out and join the movement.
Read ArticleJuly 21, 2020
Six Cities Forge Ahead with Home Energy Disclosures – How Your City Can Join Them
Leading U.S. cities are filling a crucial information gap in the residential real estate market by requiring home energy disclosures for potential homebuyers: a much needed transparency measure and consumer protection practice. This process provides buyers with an energy efficiency rating on every property listed for sale. An online resource and a support network are available for local governments that want to adopt similar energy disclosure measures.
Read ArticleJune 8, 2020
The Smog in Your Kitchen – What the Experts Say
Experts Say Cooking with gas is hazardous to health, according to research that spans the last several decades. A recent study puts the issue in stark terms. Air inside homes can be more unhealthy than outdoor pollution even during a wild fire that fills the air with smoke.
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