Net Zero Home Cross Section

There’s a lot of talk lately about energy efficient design and our responsibility within the architectural community to help combat climate change. Many of our clients come to us with questions about what they can do in their projects to do their part, but few know what that entails when taking on a net-zero project.

What is Net Zero Design?

A net zero energy home is one where the energy it uses over a year is balanced out by the energy it produces. Imagine having solar panels on your roof that generate electricity, and over the year, that electricity matches or exceeds what you use for heating, cooling, lighting, and all your other needs. This is achieved by reducing the amount of energy your home needs and generating renewable energy to cover that usage.

Reducing how much energy your home needs is key. Net zero homes are super-efficient thanks to things like high levels of insulation, airtight construction, energy-efficient windows and doors, and top-notch heating and cooling systems. These features help keep your home comfortable without using a ton of energy.

Producing Renewable Energy

Producing energy to offset what your home uses is key to a net-zero project. Solar panels, whether located on a roof or in a dedicated field, are the most common form of energy generation. Small wind turbines can also be used as a primary source. When either of these

solutions is combined with battery storage, your home can keep using renewable energy during times when production is limited. The goal is to produce as much energy over the course of a year as the home uses.

Some projects opt to go “net-zero ready”. Which means that the home is designed, and built, with all of the energy efficiency options, but the energy production portions of the project are completed at a later date.

What are the Key Elements of Net Zero Design and Energy Efficiency

Air Sealing: Proper air sealing is the first step in an energy efficient home. More energy is lost in the tiny cracks you can’t see inside your walls than in any other part of your house. With properly detailed window installations, and a fully wrapped weather barrier around the exterior envelope you can take the most cost-effective step in net zero design.

Insulation: Thermal performance is the next area that makes a major difference in the energy efficiency of your home. While building codes set the minimum values that a home can be insulated, a truly energy efficient home far surpasses these requirements. With that in mind, not all insulations are equal in the carbon footprint they create. Net zero homes tend to use insulations like blown-in cellulose or mineral wool in addition to rigid insulation boards on the exterior of the home.

Windows & Doors: Double & triple glazed windows are an important element in energy efficiency. Well-built and sealed windows that include low emissive coatings can outperform your standard big box store units.

Efficient HVAC Systems: Modern HVAC systems are the pulmonary system of an efficient home. Just like the system in your body, your home HVAC needs to be designed in an intentional way to provide the most comfort in your home using Heat or Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRV / ERV). The old thought that a house needs to breathe is true, but only in a controlled way.

Net Zero Renovation/Addition

Planning Your Net Zero Home Addition or Renovation

Set some clear goals for your project. Maybe you want to:

· Improve Energy Efficiency: Focus on better insulation, new windows and doors, and upgraded HVAC systems.

· Add Renewable Energy: Look into solar panels or other renewable options.

· Enhance Comfort and Health: Think about how your upgrades can improve indoor air quality and make your home more comfortable.

Net zero design is a fantastic way to make your home more sustainable and cost-effective. By combining energy efficiency with renewable energy generation, you can reduce your energy bills and environmental impact. Whether you’re planning a new addition, a renovation, or building a new home, understanding net zero design principles can help you create a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly living space.

Net Zero Renovation/Addition

By Troy Curry    Curated Brochure by Crisp Architects: Portfolio

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