Energy efficiency is a factor for many homeowners, and it’s often why people choose to build a new home rather than purchase an existing one. The goal for net zero homes is for the building to produce as much energy as it consumes. They are constructed using a combination of sustainable building materials and energy-efficient products to produce a comfortable, carbon-neutral home.
The Building and Emissions Connection
Buildings account for 42% of annual global CO2 emissions around the globe. Of that percentage, building operations are responsible for almost 27% annually with four materials at the forefront of the usage: cement, iron, steel, and aluminum. By 2060, 2.6 trillion square feet of new floor area is expected to be added to the global building stock. New homeowners can help lower emissions by building homes with more sustainable materials:
Insulation Options
Much of a home’s energy loss is due to poor insulation. Air can escape through gaps around windows and doors or through walls that were not sealed properly. Insulation types include spray foam, cellulose, glass wool, fiberglass, or polystyrene. All insulation products come with a thermal resistance value (R-value). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation properties. To insulate the entire home, add insulation to walls, attics, and basements, and seal any leaks around windows and doors.
Insulated concrete form (ICF) wall construction is another way to insulate a building. It stacks hollow foam blocks into exterior walls and reinforces them with steel rebar. The walls are then filled with concrete to enhance structural strength, minimize noise, and aid in energy efficiency. Using expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation is an effective way to prohibit air movement when implementing ICF.
Structured insulated solar panels (SIPs) are a high-performance option that uses panels made of an insulated foam core in between two structural facings. SIPs can be manufactured to fit any design and contribute to a strong and efficient building system. They also aid in healthier indoor air quality, have excellent thermal performance, and support creative designs.
Renewable Energy Sources
Installing renewable energy systems into a home can help reduce electricity costs by improving efficiency. Some source options include:
Geothermal heat pumps: Uses groundwater or another water source to transfer heat into and out of the home.
Solar water heating: Harnesses sunlight through solar collectors and water storage tanks to heat water for the home.
Solar energy systems: Captures and converts sunlight into electricity through solar panels.
Wind systems: Uses the motion of the wind with a turbine and generator to create electricity.
Net metering is an option for many homeowners that implement a renewable energy source. This is a benefit where homeowners can sell excess energy their systems have produced, which allows these homeowners to pay off their renewable energy investments more quickly.
Appliances and HVAC Systems
Energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems are designed to reduce greenhouse gasses by using less electricity when in use. Look at the energy label for guidance, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re using the product as intended. Energy ratings range from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient).
High-Performance Windows
Windows designed with energy efficiency in mind offer improved comfort due to their ability to reduce heat transfer. Efficient windows usually include multiple panes of glass with an airtight seal around the edges. Installing high-performance windows with a low-emissivity coating will also minimize the amount of UV rays penetrating the windows, protecting furniture and flooring.
Building Net Zero Homes
Creating net zero homes requires a combination of proper materials and strategic design so that the structure possesses carbon-neutral qualities. Builders need to understand efficiency factors when making materials choices and creating designs. Talk to a contractor about how you can build a net-zero home.
