Zero Energy Homes - Design Best Practices

Here are 5 design best practices for zero energy homes.

1. Choose a compact and simple design

2. Orient home on an east-west axis

3. Locate bedrooms to the east, kitchen to the north and living to the south/west

4. Reserve a minimum of 200 sq.ft. of clear south, southeast or southwest roof area for solar

5. Provide summer shading on south and southwest walls via vegetation or awnings

Zero Energy Homes Overview

Zero energy homes use renewable energy to power all of the energy loads in the home. Follow the steps below to achieve low energy loads during construction before adding renewable energy. Existing homes can be retrofitted to be zero energy as well.

Here are 12 steps to take to achieve zero energy in new construction.

1. Start with smart design

2. Orient for sun tempering

3. Optimize with energy modeling

4. Super-seal the envelope

5. Super-insulate the envelope

6. Select optimum window efficiency

7. Ensure clean, fresh air

8. Specify high-performance heating and cooling

9. Heat water wisely

10. Select high-efficiency lighting

11. Choose efficient appliances

12. Use renewable energy