May 17, 2006

Study Explores Impact of Zero Energy Homes in Reducing Future U.S. Energy Consumption

A newly published study, The Potential Impact of ZEH, developed through a collaborative effort by the NAHB Research Center, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), presents a far-reaching outlook into the possibilities for Zero Energy Home (ZEH) technologies in the new home market and their potential impact on U.S. energy consumption through 2050.

Zero Energy Homes, which are connected to the utility grid, combine highly energy-efficient design and technology with solar electric and thermal systems to produce as much energy as they use on an annual basis, resulting in net zero energy consumption. While ZEH are technically feasible and exist today, they have yet to widely penetrate the new home construction marketplace. However, market penetration of highly efficient homes with solar energy systems has already begun and will continue in certain geographic areas. EPA ENERGY STAR® home sales have experienced enormous growth, going from zero in 1995 to 130,000 in 2004, with up to 40 percent penetration in select markets.

As energy costs continue to rise, a number of energy-efficiency improvements in appliances, building envelopes, windows and mechanical systems are moving into the market. Solar electric (photovoltaic) system costs have continued to decline and new, solar water heating designs are under development that will reduce costs and improve efficiency. These factors combined with state and federal tax incentives for renewable energy systems suggest that as energy-efficient technologies become more affordable, consumers will embrace the long-term energy and environmental benefits of ZEH; making them economically competitive with conventional construction when utility costs are included in the cost of homeownership.

The Potential Impact of ZEH concludes that with continued federal research and development programs to lower the cost of advanced energy-efficiency building technologies, the ZEH concept will begin to diffuse into the U.S. home market as early as 2012. This could ultimately result in annual energy savings in 2050 of approximately 17 percent of the U.S. energy consumption in single-family homes even as over a million new homes are added each year.

For more information on zero energy homes and the The Potential Impact of ZEH study, or to download a copy, visit www.toolbase.org/zeh.

Mainstream GreenHome™ of the Future
Cherokee Investment Partners, a leader in the sustainable revitalization of environmentally impaired properties, held an official groundbreaking recently for its National Homebuilder Mainstream GreenHome™ in Raleigh, N.C.

The Mainstream GreenHome™ showcases a number of innovative, environmentally friendly features, while looking and functioning as a traditional home. Cherokee expects that the lessons learned from this project will encourage the mainstreaming of sustainable homebuilding practices nationwide. The Mainstream GreenHome™ is intended to help reverse the negative stigma sometimes associated with green building and show that environmentally-focused construction is compatible with conventional building and better living.

Homeowners and home building companies alike stand to benefit by taking an increased interest in the environmental performance of a home. Homeowners may enjoy lower utility bills, better indoor air quality, and an overall healthier and more comfortable living environment, while homebuilders may enjoy improved market differentiation, enhanced regulatory approvals and home sale premiums.

Conventional in almost every aspect, the GreenHome™ is designed as an idea home that will showcase a mix of products, systems and techniques that could make sense for individual construction projects or large-scale developments. As green building becomes more mainstream and is injected into the early design process, costs associated with green building will continue to fall.

"The GreenHome™ represents a new milestone in mainstream green construction," according to global sustainability guru, author and architect William McDonough, chairman of the architecture and community design firm, William McDonough + Partners. "This demonstration home provides the average homebuilder with a model for making a typical American home green. Cherokee's work is a tremendous service to the long-term sustainability of our
environment."

Environmental factors are taken into account in every aspect of the home, from landscaping using edible and/or drought tolerant plants to rainwater catchment and reuse systems. The home utilizes a range of technological innovations to minimize impact on the environment without sacrificing comfort.

As a result, the GreenHome™ aims to:

* Use 50 percent less fossil fuel than the conventional home
* Recycle or reuse 90 percent of all organic waste on site
* Consume 50 percent less water than the conventional home
* Recycle 75 percent of all construction and demolition waste
* Retain 95 percent of all storm water on site for reuse
* Create wildlife habitats
* Provide exceptional indoor air quality with 95 percent of all products having low or zero volatile organic compounds

The project will serve as a living laboratory. Attention to sustainability metrics, such as energy and water conservation and indoor air quality will continue after construction is complete, and data will be shared with a broad audience. Moreover, through the use of superior insulation, ENERGY STAR-certified windows and appliances, ground source heat pumps, solar hot water and photovoltaic systems and renewable energy credits, the GreenHome™ seeks to eliminate its carbon emissions from home energy use.

The GreenHome™ is expected to be completed in the fall of 2006 and will be available for tours.

FindSolar.com Links Consumers to Qualified Solar Installers

Since its launch only six months ago, a new online directory has linked thousands of home and small business owners around the country to qualified solar energy system installers serving their area. The web site also gives consumers a place to estimate costs and output of solar systems for hot water, electricity and pool or spa heating.

With increased energy costs and federal tax breaks, more consumers are exploring their options to add solar energy systems to their homes and businesses. As of January 1, 2006, residential and commercial customers are eligible for a 30 percent solar tax credit (capped at $2,000 for residential) for each system installed. Many states, counties, cities and utilities also offer rebates and other incentives to spur adoption of clean, renewable energy sources.

Visitor activity on FindSolar.com attests to the growing interest in solar energy. Visitors to the site can request bids from qualified installers. The leads are sent directly to installers selected by the user, typically in the same or nearby county.

“As awareness of the web site grows, along with summer air conditioning bills, we expect thousands more to consider their solar options and visit FindSolar as a resource to get started,” says Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society, based in Boulder, Colorado. “With continued rising energy costs, consumer interest in clean, renewable energy from secure U.S. energy sources, and federal tax incentives, we believe more homeowners and business owners will look for sustainable alternatives,” he adds.

“FindSolar.com is a great starting place to learn more about solar energy and to assess the options for your own particular home or building,” says Julia Judd, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based, Solar Electric Power Association. “With minimal inputs, including your state, county, utility, and typical monthly energy bill, the site provides you with estimates of system size, costs, savings and other benefits.”

Currently the energy calculators on the site encompass solar electric (PV), solar domestic hot water and pool/spa heating. Additional capabilities for solar space heating and cooling systems will be added in the future. Solar professionals and companies can be listed by providing a minimum amount of information. A pre-screened status enhances the listing if certain criteria concerning the company’s experience and customer satisfaction are met. Solar system and component manufacturers, meanwhile, are also listed in the web site’s manufacturer directory.

Findsolar.com is a joint partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC and the U.S. Department of Energy. The site serves as a convenient, user-friendly means for homeowners and businesses to learn about incentives and the economics of solar energy and to find qualified professionals who can install and service systems. For no charge, listed installers receive instant email notification of sales leads that are targeted to match their company's capabilities and geographic area.

SOLAR 2006 - July 7-13, Denver, Colorado "Renewable Energy Key to Climate Recovery"
SOLAR 2006, the National Solar Energy Conference is presented by the American Solar Energy Society, Inc. and Colorado Renewable Energy Society and will be attended by leading researchers, scientists, engineers, architects, designers, policymakers, contractors, installers, government leaders, strategic thinkers, teachers, utility representatives and other renewable energy decision-makers from around the United States and the world. The conference offers plenary sessions, forums, technical sessions, workshops, tours, special events and an exhibit hall.

Building with Spirit 2006 - August 2 -6
Building with Spirit 2006 is a regional natural building colloquium held in Bath, New York at the Thunder Mountain Retreat Center.

Hands-on experience, workshops and demonstrations in a number of areas:

• Strawbale Construction
• Earthen Floors and Plasters
• Slate Roofing
• Straw Clay Infill
• Log Cabin Construction
• Cordwood
• Cob
• Timberframing
• Solar & Wind Energy
• Bamboo
• Monolithic Stone Raising
• International Green Building
• Thatching
• Humanure
• "End of Suburbia"
• Building Codes
• Sustainability
• Permaculture and more......

Presenters include natural building experts: Malcom Wells, Dan Chiras, Chris Magwood, David Eisenberg and others.

2006 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings - August 13-18
"Less is More: En Route to Zero Energy Buildings"
This ACEEE Conference takes place in Pacific Grove, California. Individuals interested in promoting energy efficiency and on-site generation in buildings through innovative technologies, programs, and policies are encouraged to attend. This includes: representatives from industries and utilities; architects; builders; financial and insurance professionals involved with buildings; manufacturers of building products, appliances and equipment; building owners and operators; engineers; local, state, and federal agency personnel; energy researchers and consultants.