The Grand Traverse Habitat for Humanity Depot Neighboorhood showcases the idea of a zero energy community working together to achieve no utility bills through community efforts. While every home is metered separately there is a community effort along with the hands-on Habitat affiliate in Traverse City Michigan to complete monthly reviews of utility bills and review plug loads to understand usage patterns and help their owners reduce energy and save money. As of the end of 2017 5 of 10 homes have been certified to LEED Platinum, 2 homes have been certified Zero Energy Capable and 2 homes have produced up 1,500 kwh’s more than these used in 2017. The entire community is running roughly 20,000-kilowatt hours used over what is produced. To put that in context, that is for all 10 homes were the average code built home (just 1) would probably use somewhere around 30,000 kwhs!

More details coming soon as well as data as to why the community is doing this and how they plan to reduce.

In the meantime, you can take a behind the scenes virtual tour of these homes in a 1-hour ceu webinar here.