Zero-energy homes gain popularity

An increasing number of Americans are realizing that creating a zero-energy home is a win-win situation for both their wallets and their planet, according to a new book.

In the new title Toward A Zero Energy Home: A Complete Guide to Energy Self-Sufficiency at Home, coauthored by Scott Gibson, David Johnston attempts to focus attention on energy-independent housing and to dispel the idea that creating a zero-energy home is impossible. The authors cite one Habitat for Humanity home that was built in Denver for $116 per square foot.

Zero-energy homes use only as much energy as they produce, negating any need for external energy sources. They usually utilize renewable energy technology such as wind turbines and solar panels to greatly reduce and even eliminate utility costs. The growing number of Americans building, buying and remodeling with energy independence in mind is largely a reaction to the increasing awareness of the dangers of climate change, Johnston, an expert on green architecture and homes, told USA Today.

"The larger climate change becomes an issue, the faster zero energy homes will be demanded," he said.

Even if making a completely energy-independent home is out of the question, homeowners are transforming their housing to use minimal energy by making their living spaces airtight, updating and improving insulation and windows and using energy efficient lighting.

Austin, Texas recently hosted such homes on a Cool Houses tour, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly structures, according to the American-Statesman. The tour, hosted by the Texas Solar Energy Society and Austin Energy Green Building, showed Austin residents the simplicity of making homes more energy efficient as building codes change in the city to reflect sustainable housing – a legislative trend happening across the globe.

Reuters reported that all new buildings in Europe have to be essentially carbon neutral after 2020 as a result of new energy standards.

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