Innovative builders in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program are showing that it is possible to achieve HERS scores of zero and lower at reasonable cost, in homes that are resilient, durable, comfortable, and energy efficient while achieving healthy indoor air quality. This presentation lays out a path to net zero energy home construction offered by the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. Program specifications are outlined for both a prescriptive and a performance path to achieve zero energy home certification. Construction methods used by Zero Energy Ready home builders are compared with those used by builders of just-to-code new homes and existing homes for key components like wall assemblies, HVAC systems, and other important energy-efficiency measures. Data are presented from the successes of nearly 5,000 DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes constructed over the past nine years including case study snapshots of this year’s DOE Housing Innovation Award winners. These builders represent every facet of the home construction industryincluding production, custom, affordable, and multifamily home builders.

Learning Objectives:

Identify a path to net zero home construction as outlined in DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home Program.
Identify practical, efficient options for wall assemblies.
Learn what choices Zero Energy Ready Home builders are making in HVAC, water heating and other key energy and resource-efficient measures.
Discover simple, cost-effective techniques for improving home performance from DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Builders including this year’s DOE Housing Innovation Award Winners.

Instructors: Theresa Gilbride, Terrence Mosley, & Joe Nebbia

CEU's: 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 NAHB, 1 NARI, 1 RESNET, and 1 GENERAL