Net Zero is a term that’s been part of the eco friendly lexicon for a few years now. Due to the poor housing market there are few Net Zero homes being built at the moment but the concept is one that has attracted a considerable amount of attention. If one can afford to build a new home it is beneficial and cost effective to build a home as energy efficient as possible.
According to the US Department of Energy a Net Zero home is a home that is 60-70% more energy efficient than a model home, and the remaining 30-40% of energy is created with renewables, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, to bring the energy use to zero.
A net zero home can be on the grid or off the grid. If on the grid and enough energy is created by the home the utility company might actually owe you money.
The following infographic by Denverpost.com can help explain just how a Net Zero home works.
