Builder Choices for Zero Energy Ready Home Construction

Although the number of tracked net zero energy homes constructed annually increased 75% from 2016 to 2017, net zero or zero energy ready homes still account for less than 1% of U.S. homes constructed in 2017. Concerns that it will cost too much or require too many complicated technologies have kept many builders from attempting zero energy home construction. However, builders participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program are showing that zero energy ready home construction can be achieved with a combination of off-the-shelf equipment and materials and common construction techniques implemented with training and verification. Construction methods used by builders in the program will be compared with those used in just-to-code new homes and existing homes for several key components, including wall assemblies and HVAC systems. Case studies of cost-effective assemblies in several climate zones will also be described, including specific examples of construction techniques developed by these zero energy ready home builders.