We’re talking about Net Zero Energy Homes, one of which is currently under construction in Dakota Ridge Village in Boulder Colorado.  Nestled in between your traditional new builds, stands a more modern, uniquely designed living space, called The NZE House.  This progressive piece of real estate will lead the way in the green building trend here in Boulder Colorado.  With buildings consuming 40% of the total energy in the US, why not strive to achieve buildings that create zero net energy?  Meaning that they have net energy consumption of zero in a typical year, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and conserving energy.  I believe that soon, all homes will become net zero energy and we just might save the world after all!

The design process is where it all begins to find the most cost-effective energy reduction in a building.  Michael Kracauer of Architropic, a green point certified and LEED accredited architect, Boulder Colorado, designed the NZE home located at 4828 6th Street to achieve minimal energy use. 

Designers building a zero net energy home,  use the most high-tech 3D computer simulation tools to take into account a wide range of design variables. 

Some factors include:

• Building orientation relative to the daily and seasonal position of the sun.
• Window and door type and placement.         
• Local Climate.        
• Overhang depth.                                          
• Heating, cooling, lighting efficiency.
•  Insulation type.
• Air tightness – weatherization.

According to www.Boulderspace.org, heat and power will be generated by a 7.2 KW photovoltaic array for electrical needs, and a  140 tube array of solar thermal evacuated tubes for space heating and domestic hot water which are the panels on the high “pop-up” roof.  Michael adds that the easy part is PV, electrical energy.  The hard part is designing (and building properly!) a house that has very reduced heating loads and designing an efficient and reliable renewable energy system, like solar thermal, to take care of the reduced heating loads.  The house also will have an efficient electric back-up system for heating in case there is an extended cloudy cold snap.  But the PV system is over-sized enough to take care of these additional electric loads, and there should be on top of that enough PV energy for at least one and maybe 2 plug-in hybrids!

And don’t think that you’ll lose out on appeal and beauty.  You can have it all -  being environmentally responsible, living in a healthy home, AND a beautiful home.  The NZE House in Dakota Ridge Village has a deeply unique, contemporary design that incorporates functionality into its’ appeal.  Like the generous amounts of glass for instance, which bring in light and the views. 

What if you already own a home?  How about a net zero energy remodel! Some important characteristics to consider according to Toolbase Services:

• Increase the foundation, wall, and ceiling insulation
• Replace windows with low U-value, low-E windows in all climates and low solar heat gain windows in cool climates.
• Seal all holes, cracks, and penetrations through the floor, walls, and ceiling.
• Install adequate ventilation especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Replace appliances and light fixtures with energy efficient ones.
• Have a properly sized photovoltaic system installed by a certified solar pv company.

Would you like to see The NZE House in Dakota Ridge Village and more homes like it?  Check them all out at the CRC Boulder Tour of Solar and Green Homes on Sunday October 5th.  See you there!

 Whether remodelling your own home or ”flipping” your Boulder real estate, some Boulderites aren’t going green or eco-friendly.  Why, I ask?  If it’s because you don’t know where to begin or lack the creative know how, I’m going to help with easy and affordable ways to do a eco-friendly remodel…

 First, for the most value in replacing carpet or outdated tile, go with bamboo or cork flooring. 

Secondly, contribute to a bright, healthy future by reducing soot, smog, and mercury pollution.  Use solar energy and install solar panels.  In Boulder, it will increase the value of your home and buyers love it.

Third easy idea – replace toilets with ones that are waterless or low-flow designed.

Here’s a unique alternative…reclaimed wood for your countertops, cabinets, and flooring. This contemporary bathroom sink countertop with cabinets was refurbished with a high grade antique wood. 

Because indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, use paint with low to zero VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).  When buyers come through, brag that you did this!  They’ll be impressed!

An obvious one to me – replace the windows!  Come on, you know what that can do to the value of your home!  Buyers LOVE energy efficiency.  Call and get a free quote.

When focusing on your curb appeal, because first impressions DO count in real estate, go for xeriscaping.  Use native plants which require less water.  Deer run rampant among these foothills, stick to deer resistant varieties .

Dispose accordingly.  Recycle and Reuse.  Resource 2000 accepts reuseable building materials.  As the old saying goes, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.  My husband and I are always picking up free materials along the road.  We built our children a playhouse made entirely from leftover materials.  It rocks!

Last but not least – BUY LOCALLY!  Save on overall transportation costs and carbon dioxide emissions.  Support your community.  Boulder Colorado is the leader in innovative environmental technology.  Every day you see more and more builders incorporating green products and practices into their services.  Are you thinking about buying green, remodelling or renovating the home you’re about to buy or sell? Call me! (303) 319-3346.  I can get you started.