Zero Energy Capable
A Zero Energy Capable designation means a project was designed, built and tested to be zero energy over the course of a year.
There is a lot of confusion on the market as to what zero energy is.
We are here to help.
The Zero Energy Capable program ensures a home was designed, built and tested to achieve zero energy with minimal extra efforts from homeowners and tenants. Essentially, a building with this designation should not require anyone to sacrifice health, comfort or a normal standard of living to achieve these goals.
Below are certified projects and below that, you can find project requirements and other FAQs
GHI member renovation aims for LEED and pre certifies zero energy capable
Baker+Myers SmartHaus is a LEED registered home aiming for Platinum…
May 29, 2020/by Brett LittleCEO of Mitsubishi US picks up Zero Energy Capable Certification
July 26, 2019/by Brett LittlePrickly Pear Sanctuary goes GreenStar Platinum
March 21, 2019/by Brett LittleMN Net Zero Victorian Gut Rehab Officially is Certified Net Zero Energy
December 31, 2017/by Brett LittleGrand Traverse Habitat For Humanity Depot Neighborhood goes LEED Platinum & Zero Energy
December 31, 2017/by Brett LittleBurh Becc @ Beacon Springs LEED Platinum & Zero Energy Capable Certified
December 31, 2017/by Brett LittleOhm Sweet Ohm – LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Capable
August 23, 2017/by Brett LittleMassachusetts Net Positive LEED Platinum Modern Farmhouse becomes a zero energy hero
July 20, 2017/by Brett LittleGrand Teton Eco-Smart Home goes LEED Platinum & Zero Energy Capable in IL
May 10, 2016/by Brett LittleWalsh Family Zero Energy Capable Farm House goes GreenStar Gold!
October 27, 2015/by Brett LittlePassive House in the Woods – GreenStar Gold
The Passive House in the Woods [Konkol residence] is a single-family…
July 27, 2015/by Brett LittleWisconsin Passive House owner says drop on by anytime!
“I want as many people to come into this house as possible.…
June 6, 2012/by Brett LittleWhat are the requirements?
To achieve a Zero Energy Capable Designation we have some simple guidelines that will help make your project a success and set your clients up to achieve their goals of zero energy living.
- Submit a model for a home or building using an approved energy modeling tool. The model must show a zero or negative energy usage over a typical year including all energy consumption and all energy production from renewable energy sources local to the site. The energy consumption and production modeling must be completed by qualified professionals. Consumption from the following items can be excluded: Vehicles, special farm or manufacturing energy consumption (submit an explanation of proposed exclusions with the modeling).
- Build or renovate to the modeled standards and use 3rd party energy testing & inspections to ensure performance. These are specified by the chosen model in step 1. (Minimum tests required include 1. Air leakage of the building envelope; 2. Duct leakage to the outdoors; 3. Total duct leakage; 4. Worst Case Combustion Spillage)
- Project must be GreenStar Homes Certified to the Bronze level or an equivalent baseline level of a relevant green building program*
The project will receive the zero energy capable designation logo on the certificate and be listed and featured on our website.
Approved Modeling Tools
Does this cost anything?
Not during the pilot BUT you can support our work by making a donation or becoming a member.
Does the home need to show zero utility bills?
No. This is designed + built + tested and modeled to be zero energy and utility bills are not required. Homeowners or tenants can apply for our zero energy hero awards on a yearly basis if the utility bills are zero or negative.
What types of projects can certify?
- Single family
- Neighboorhoods
- Multifamily housing
- High & Midrise buildings
- Mixed use
- Any commercial building that can be modeled under ASHREA
- New construction
- Renovation
- Weatherization
Can I use natural gas, wood heating or other combustion?
Yes. For wood or biofuel we will need to work with model on how to incorporate estimated energy usage. All of this must be offset by renewables.
Why does it have to be GreenStar Certified? Can I use another certification?
The goal is to ensure the project meets some basic green measures so that that it is healthy, durable, water efficient and utilizes sustainable materials.
Other certifications do meet these goals and include but are not limited to;
- LEED
- National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
- Enterprise Green Communities
- DOE: Zero Energy Ready Home
- Passive House
- Earth Craft
Learn more about each program on our on Demand CE Webinar Making Sense of Green Home Certifications 101
Is there training to help me to do this?
We have many on-demand courses and live tours that cover zero energy
Go here to access them and watch at no charge
Partner Trainings
Heatspring – Leaders in High-Performance Building: Zero Fossil Fuels & Zero Net Energy
EEBA has a great all day hands-on program that may be coming to a town near you. Learn more
Do I have to count heavy energy using systems?
Yes.
Your model will need to account for things like
- Driveway warmers
- Ice dam metlers
- Hot tubs
- Pumps
- Elevators
- Etc.
Is there a Zero Water Capable Designation?
Yes.
We are partnering with the Green Builder Coalition to the Water Efficiency Rating Score to help projects achieve low or zero water usage based on modeling and testing. Similiar to Energy modeling.
Zero Energy Capable Certification Application
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GreenHome Institute
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PMB 20674
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-2395 US
Tel: (616) 458-6733
Toll Free: (888) 533-3274
Email: info@greenhomeinstitute.org
About Us
The GreenHome Institute, formerly The Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES) is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable choices in the renovation and construction of the places we live.