April 13, 2020

A Zero Carbon Building Primer

Zero energy buildings are here and growing in the market. Now it’s time to set our sights on the next step in the evolution of building design and construction: zero carbon.

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March 18, 2020

The Mystery of Misapplied Mini-Splits

If you’ve ever heard that a mini-split heat pump wasn’t fulfilling its potential there is no mystery — the problem was almost certainly errors in design or installation. Here’s everything that needs to happen for a proper installation and reliable performance.

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March 14, 2020

Make Hot Water the Modern Energy Efficient Way

Heat pump water heaters have been available for several years and are gradually gaining acceptance in new construction as well as in the replacement market. Here is guidance for the best application of this technology with an emphasis on colder climates.

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February 15, 2020

Wall Upgrades for Deep Energy Retrofits

Upgrading the energy performance of walls in an existing home is the most challenging aspect of a deep energy retrofit. One of these eight options will work for just about any zero energy renovation.

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February 15, 2020

We Have Met the Enemy and It Is Waste

Energy waste is rampant in the American economy. If waste were cut in half, it would reduce carbon emissions the same amount as closing all coal-fired power plants in the US. Each of us can make choices to help reduce this waste.

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January 22, 2020

Achieve Comfort and Reliable Performance with Cold-Climate Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are on track to replace heating systems that burn fossil fuels. Modern inverter-driven models can be extremely efficient, even at low outdoor temperatures, and they are capable of supplying all a home’s comfort needs. Here are three tips for builders and HVAC contractors to reach peak heat pump performance and keep customers happy.

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January 22, 2020

Zero Energy Buildings Surge Ahead

The 2019 inventories of zero energy buildings show growth is strong in this important sector of the construction industry. New homes, apartments, and commercial buildings are increasing their share of the market at an impressive pace.

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January 18, 2020

Electric Vehicles, Positive Energy Buildings, and Alternative Transportation

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles is an essential step in the transition to a post-carbon society. There will be challenges to making this transition to an all electric transportation system based on renewable energy. Luckily, positive energy buildings combined with modern transportation innovations may well be up to the task.

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January 17, 2020

Cities Take the Lead by Building Strong Climate Action Plans

The US government may be moving backward on climate action, but cities and other local governments are forging ahead. Zero Energy Project has assembled a list of more than 400 cities and their climate action plans from around the US and Canada. View the locations on our interactive map or sort the list to find cities by name or population.

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January 16, 2020

The Challenges and Opportunities of Exterior Air Sealing

Good news! You can choose from more methods than ever before to reach the high levels of air tightness needed for zero energy construction. Many builders find it less expensive to seal the exterior structural sheathing. Here are six effective methods to consider.

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November 18, 2019

2020: The Year to Go Zero

Time has run out. A climate crisis is upon us. Only immediate and dramatic action can blunt the catastrophic consequences of a “hot house earth” scenario. There are a variety of actions that almost that every citizen of Planet Earth can take. Together we can make a real difference!

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November 18, 2019

Energy Efficiency is Necessary but Not Nearly Sufficient!

Ask people how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and most will say “improve energy efficiency.” That may be a step in the right direction, but it’s time to adopt a better measure – a building’s total carbon emissions.

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