NetZero Energy Homes Have Little To No Energy Bills

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2010 the average homeowner

spent $2,250 on energy costs. With a NetZero Energy Home, homeowners

have no energy bills of any kind, other than a monthly electric hook-up fee.

That is because a NetZero Energy Home is designed and built with so many

energy efficient features, such as thicker walls and triple paned windows that

it can create as much energy from its solar collectors as the home uses over

the course of a year – resulting in a zero “net” energy bill.

NetZero Energy Homes Have Zero Carbon Emissions

Buildings have a huge impact on our environment, especially when it comes

to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Buildings account for up to 48%

of total energy consumption in the United State and are a major contributor to

carbon emissions. According to the Cool Climate Network of U.C. Berkeley, the

average home releases close to 10 metric tons of CO2 per year from its

electricity and fossil fuel use. A NetZero Energy Home has zero net energy

use and therefore produces zero net carbon emissions from the site.

NetZero Energy Homes are Affordable

Using standard building techniques and energy cost modeling, NetZero Energy Homes can be very affordable to build. With the savings from federal tax incentives alone, a NetZero Energy Home may cost about 10% more to build than a comparable home built to code. With help from both federal tax incentives and rebates as well as tax incentives and rebates available in many states, a NetZero Energy Home built in a cost effective manner may cost only about 5% more than a similar home that is built to standard building code. Even without available incentives and rebates, efficient zero energy homes may be cost comparable to neighboring homes by designing them to be somewhat smaller in size but with more useful livable spaces and by wisely selecting highly attractive, yet less expensive finishes.
 

NetZero Energy Homes Cost Less to Own

The total cost of ownership of a NetZero Energy Home can be considerably less than the cost of ownership of a comparable standard home. Even after the additional 5-10% increase in cost to build the home is factored in, a zero energy home may still cost less to own. That is because the monthly savings on energy bills are often greater than the additional monthly cost of the mortgage that is needed for the zero energy upgrades. For example, if the higher cost of building a zero energy home adds an additional $100 month on your mortgage, but your energy savings are $200 a month, then you are saving an additional $100 a month by living in a NetZero Energy Home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NetZero Energy Homes are a Wise Investment

NetZero Energy Homes can be a wiser investment than a standard home for several reasons:

• As energy costs increase each year, the energy cost of a NetZero Energy Home essentially remains at zero, which will increase the value of the home and provide a hedge against inflation.

• A recent study has demonstrated that the more energy efficient a home is, the lower the foreclosure rate.

• Homebuyers are often willing to pay more for energy efficient homes. A study conducted by Vanderbilt University Law School found that on average buyers were willing to pay 5% more for a green labeled home, provided the green label indicated actual energy savings. More highly rated houses commanded a larger premium.

• Numerous studies have also found that every added dollar invested in becoming a LEED Gold certified building returned $10 to $12 in in triple bottom line benefits, which put a dollar value on social and environmental benefits, as well as standard financial returns.

• NetZero Energy homes are more durable, because they are usually built with double walls making them sturdier and their ventilation system makes them drier than standard homes, reducing the risk of rot.

NetZero Energy Homes Raise the Bar for Home Construction

NetZero Energy Homes set a measurable standard for energy efficient homes that cannot be easily “green-washed”. When designers, builders, realtors, lenders and homebuyers choose zero net energy homes they are helping to raise the bar for energy efficient building in our country. Designing, building, lending for or buying a Zero Energy Home sets a positive example for everyone. There never was a better time for all of us to “think global and act local.”

Contact us about becoming an investor and join us in creating a more sustainable, carbon neutral, and energy independent future!