Climate Disruption Calls for a New Concept of Healthy Zero Energy Homes

Because they are affordable, small homes are attractive to many younger homebuyers as well as retirees who are downsizing. Small homes are also more energy efficient. Whether you’re in a new smaller zero energy home or an existing small home, these interior design tips will help you live big in a smaller space.

The top building material categories that account for most embodied carbon in home construction include concrete, rebar, insulation, glazing, and finishes. There are proven low-embodied-carbon solutions that can be broken down into three main categories: whole-building design, one-for-one material substitution, and specification. In general, whole-building design solutions can drive the greatest embodied carbon savings along with following low-embodied-carbon best practices throughout the building design and construction process.

The Inventory of Zero Energy Homes is the definitive metric of market growth in this housing sector. Now is the time to add your new project to the database or update your current listing.

As described in Part One, indoor air can be unhealthy. When you invest in zero energy, you’ll also get something even more important than money in return. Zero energy buildings are also healthier. Here in Part Two of this three-part series, you can read about all the components of zero energy buildings that make this invaluable benefit possible.