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.
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
What 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.
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?
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;
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
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.
625 Kenmoor Ave SE Ste 350
PMB 20674
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-2395 US
Tel: (616) 458-6733
Toll Free: (888) 533-3274
Email: info@greenhomeinstitute.org