The Path to Accessible Energy Solutions is Within Reach
As the demand for sustainable living solutions grows, the focus on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program has never been more pertinent. Achieving widespread adoption of ZERH requires several considerations. These include increasing building efficiency, expanding clean energy capacity, and plugging both new and existing buildings into a grid that is rapidly becoming cleaner, all top priorities aligned with current legislative goals to make zero emissions resilient new construction and retrofits common practice by 2030. Additionally, builders face other challenges to transition fully to ZERH due to potential increases in construction costs and the need for specialized knowledge.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN WITHIN REACH
That’s where the U.S. DOE Housing Innovation Awards program comes into play. This program supports efforts to decarbonize the building sector and slash harmful emissions in communities across the nation, recognizing builders who excel in the development and promotion of Zero Energy Ready Homes. The awards not only honor outstanding innovation and sustainability achievements but also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering industry-wide improvements.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ZERO ENERGY HOME DESIGN
Penn Cove Heirloom is a 2023 recipient of the Housing Innovation Award located in Coupeville, Washington, situated in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. This house by Clifton View Homes features SIP panels, a high-performance insulation that provides airtight construction to minimize energy loss and triple-pane windows. The home was constructed with sustainable and low-impact materials contributing to overall environmental benefits as well as low-flow water fixtures to reduce water consumption. The home was built with the intention–and the energy management system–to one day host a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof. However, without PV, the home’s performance is still outstanding. As the home currently stands (without PV), its annual energy cost savings compared to typical new homes is $1,200; its annual energy savings is 13,150 kWh.
Another noteworthy project is The Manatee, located in Jacksonville, Florida, where the climate is hot, humid, and tropical nearly year-round. This home, however, emphasizes the health and well-being of occupants through several thoughtful design and technology features. Built by Providence Homes and a 2023 recipient of the Housing Innovation Award, The Manatee features enhanced indoor air quality with a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system that continuously brings in fresh outdoor air while removing stale indoor air. This helps to maintain high indoor air quality, reducing the likelihood of indoor pollutants and allergens. The PV home, also uses an energy-efficient heat pump for both heating and cooling, ensuring consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures without excessive energy use. Strategically placed windows and thermal mass materials help regulate indoor temperatures naturally, enhancing comfort and reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. The performance numbers demonstrate the impact: annual energy cost savings with PV is $2,050, and the annual energy savings with PV is 15,750 kWh.
Jaime Van Mourik Associate AIA, LEED AP, is the director of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program.
