Do you know the HERS Index of your home? You should. The one thing you should analyze is a home’s Home Energy Rating Score (HERS). This nationally-recognized system measures the energy efficiency of a property. As we noted in our HERS Index guide, everyone has an incentive to pay attention...
Continue ReadingAs zero energy home builders, we talk a lot about home energy efficiency. But how do you know if a property is energy-efficient or not? Sure, solar panels and LED lighting reduce energy consumption. You certainly want those elements. But air leakage from low-grade windows and drywall could decrease home...
Continue ReadingThe US has roughly 5,000 net zero homes on the market, according to the Net-Zero Energy Coalition. Given current policy trends and growing consumer demand, experts estimate the number of green homes will skyrocket in the coming years, provided costs come down. As a zero energy home builder, we aim...
Continue ReadingEarn energy credits instead of paying a utility bill. Breathe fresh air 24/7. Combat climate change. And enjoy a durable home designed to withstand the test of time. Sounds like the life, right? Anyone has an incentive to live in a zero energy ready home. Benefits abound. And since zero...
Continue ReadingA zero energy ready home produces as much energy as it consumes. This leaves residents with a net zero energy bill. Sounds quite nice, right? The zero energy concept stems from energy-efficient building designs. Back in the 1970s, when energy efficiency became a greater concern, it was hard to imagine...
Continue ReadingWe’ve become much more conscious of what we put into our bodies. It’s easy to find organic food up and down the aisles of your local grocery store. With all the attention we put into keeping the chemicals out of our food, we sometimes don’t think about the other ways...
Continue ReadingThe Environmental Working Group examined the safety data of over 1000 ingredients used in commercial household cleaning products. They found that half of these products contain ingredients harmful to the lungs. It’s convenient to buy household cleaners and use them without a thought, but for every toxic cleaner out there,...
Continue ReadingAccording to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it’s estimated that U.S. households own a total of 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats. In a time when we’re trying to be more earth-conscious, do we pause to think about the environmental impact of over 165 million pets? Collectively, our...
Continue ReadingAs 2019 quickly approaches, we begin thinking about the changes we’d like to make for the new year. Maybe this year you’ll eat healthier, or finally use that gym membership, or make a better effort to see that friend you always say you need to make a better effort to...
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