there are 130 million homes in the u.s. and they are responsible for 25% of the nation’s green house gas emissions. yet little attention is paid to retrofitting the existing housing stock.<\/p>\n
we have completed the net zero energy rehab of our 111-year-old historic folk-victorian home in ann arbor, mi. a net-zero energy home (also called zero energy home) is a home that produces as much or more energy than the occupants consume. this is accomplished by first reducing energy demand, typically by 60% – 70%, then meeting that demand by adding on-site renewable energy. we were inspired by the challenge of the late ray anderson, the founder of interface, inc., to create a society with zero environmental footprint.<\/p>\n
we are now fulfilling our family\u2019s goal to create a living building by rehabilitating a home that creates its own energy, creates zero waste and will be a restorative part of our community. in march 2011, we paid our last utility bill . . . ever. our home is believed to be the oldest home in america to achieve net zero energy. usa today honored the home as one of the “best green houses of 2010”<\/p>\n
learn more at http:\/\/www.missionzerohouse.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
there are 130 million homes in the u.s. and they are responsible for 25% of the nation’s green house gas emissions. see how this homeowner is getting to zero…and beyond! <\/p>\n