What Is A Net Zero Home

Leah Campbell • March 30, 2024

As more people and businesses become interested in sustainability, the need for “green” and “eco-friendly” homes becomes even greater. In other words, how can society achieve having homes that have as little impact on the environment as possible?

Net zero home are such an answer--you may have even heard about net zero homes before. But what exactly does net zero mean when applied to a home? What are the standards for a net zero home?

In today’s blog, Senergy Builders answers these questions and more.

What Exactly Is A Net Zero Home?

According to the Zero Energy Project, net zero homes are “high-performance homes that are so air-tight, well insulated, and energy efficient that they produce as much renewable energy as they consume over the course of a year, leaving the occupants with a net zero energy bill, and a carbon-free home.”

In other words, these kinds of homes produce the exact amount energy as they use, hence net zero. You can think of net zero buildings as self-sufficient—a building that creates its own power.

History of Net Zero Homes

As society became more environmentally conscious in the late 20th century, solutions for producing low-to little emissions began to develop. One of these responses is net zero buildings, which first emerged in the early 2000s. For example, the first commercial-scale net-zero building was completed in 2000, at Oberlin College in Ohio.

Since then, both commercial and residential net-zero buildings have steadily increased throughout the US.

Net Zero Homes vs. Passive Homes

Passive home are another emerging trend in home building. Like net zero homes, passive homes are a response to lowering emissions. Both share several things in common, namely that both are extremely energy efficient. However, it’s important to note that passive homes are not the same as net zero homes.

Passive homes focus on reducing demand, via minimizing heat loss and gain. In simpler terms, passive homes focus on keeping energy use as low as possible. Compare this to net zero, which focuses on increasing energy supply on-site, by generating electricity.

Net Zero Home Standards

What makes a net zero home net zero?

One common misconception is that to make a home net zero, all the building needs is solar panels. While a solar system can make a home net zero, oftentimes net zero involves more than that; panels are just one aspect of a net zero home. Let’s look at the standards of net zero homes.

Well-Insulated Walls and Windows

Air leakage leads to wasted energy, as a home’s heating and cooling system must work harder to deliver climate control. In fact, homes can lose up to 30% of energy through poorly insulated wall, doors, and windows.

An airtight home resolves this issue, allowing the system to work more efficiently. Think of insulation as a blanket for your home, keeping outdoor air out. The more airtight a home, the better. Newer net zero homes have EPS insulation below and outside a home’s foundations slabs, to prevent air escaping and infiltrating.

Airflow and Ventilation

Rather than rely on HVAC systems to cool a home, net zero homes use smart ventilation designs. These systems promote natural airflow throughout a home. For example, heat-recovery ventilators (HRV) gather outside air and heated indoor air to disperse throughout the home to deliver cooler air. Ceiling fans and attic vents are also methods to create natural air flow.

Solar Array

Solar panels are often what first come to mind when people think of sustainable homes. As solar energy is one of the cleanest renewable energy sources, it’s a great choice for net zero and other sustainability related construction.

The amount of solar energy produced will vary based on a home’s location and climate. To store excess energy produced, most net zero homes have a solar battery system. This power can then be used at times the solar panels are not producing energy, such as at night or an overcast day. This excess energy can sometimes be sold back to the energy grid, yet another great reason to have solar power for your home.

Geothermal Heating Systems

Water heating takes up about 18% of your home’s energy and is often the second largest expense for a home. To reduce this energy consumption, geothermal heating systems are a great renewable energy option. These systems draw and collect heat from deep underground using high density polyethylene pipes. These systems can also utilize the warmth of the sun, as a geothermal water tank absorbs the sun’s heat.

Energy Monitoring

Smart devices, such as smart thermostats, can reduce energy waste. How so? For example, energy usage and limits can be established and precisely monitored.

Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Incandescent bulbs are replaced by LEDs, while appliances are updated to energy efficient designs (such as ENERGY STAR appliances).

Benefits of Net-Zero Homes

Net zero homes provide several key benefits:

Promotes A Healthier Environment

Net zero construction is a direct response to helping the environment. As more individuals and industries combat the emissions and effects of greenhouse gases, net-zero homes help achieve carbon neutrality. To further explain, carbon emissions need to be balanced by carbon removal out of the environment.

Saves Homeowners Money

A net zero home will save homeowners exponentially on utility bills. Imagine having a home so self-sufficient your energy bill is net zero!

Tax Incentives

If you choose to install solar or other renewable energy systems for your home, you may be eligible for the Federal Income Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency.

Increases Home Value

Homes with energy-saving upgrades tend to have higher home values. As more individuals realize how a net zero home will save them continuously on energy, net zero homes become more sought-after properties. By living in a net zero home, you’ll be joining the major market shift toward sustainable housing and construction.

The Future of Net-Zero Homes

As of this writing, there are more than 28,000 net-zero homes and buildings in the US. Net zero building construction will only continue to increase, as several states have passed mandates and codes that new construction meet “zero energy ready” standards. In fact, the US government has mandated that all new federal buildings built after 2030 be net zero construction. So, expect to see more net zero homes and buildings in the coming years. The future of net zero building is bright!

Choose Senergy Builders

Interested in net zero construction? Senergy Builders is proud to build energy efficient homes, including net zero residences and neighborhoods, such as Brookfield South in Grand Junction, CO. Our highly experienced construction personnel can make your dream of sustainable living in a beautiful modern dwelling a reality. To learn more about what makes us Simply Better, Simply Smarter, contact Senergy Builders at 970.248.8500.

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Decarbonizing Industry: How We Can Actually Do It

By Anna Naim • April 30, 2025

When we talk about fighting climate change, most people think about things like switching to electric cars, installing solar panels , or flying less. Those are all important, and correct, but there’s a huge piece of the emissions puzzle that often gets overlooked: industry. We’re talking about the stuff that literally builds the world around us– steel, cement, chemicals, glass, and more. These are the foundations of everything from roads to smartphones. But here’s the kicker: industrial processes are responsible for about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. That’s massive. And unlike switching your car or your light bulbs, decarbonizing industry is complicated. It’s messy. The technologies exist, but they’re often expensive or inconvenient– especially for the people and companies with the most power to implement them. Still, transforming industry is absolutely essential– and I’m here to unpack why it’s hard, what’s changing, and how we can push for solutions that actually make a difference. Why Is Industry So Tough to Decarbonize? Let’s start with the honest truth: cutting emissions from industry is way harder than cleaning up something like the electricity sector. Here's why: Some emissions are baked into the process For example, when you make cement, you heat up limestone, and that chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide. It’s not just about the fuel used, it’s the reaction itself. So even if you're using clean energy, you still get CO2 emissions. You need crazy-high heat Things like steel and glass need temperatures that soar above 1,500°C. That’s not easy to achieve with electricity (at least not yet), so most places still burn coal or gas. Factories aren’t easy to change overnight Industrial plants are huge investments. They’re built to last decades, and they don’t get upgraded often. That means any big changes are risky, expensive, and need serious planning. But here’s the good news: change is finally starting to happen. What Can We Do About It? Even though the challenges are big, there are already a bunch of exciting solutions out there. Some are being tested in real factories today. Here are some of the most promising approaches: Use Less Energy (and Waste Less) Before we reinvent the wheel, let’s make the current systems more efficient. Think better insulation, heat recovery systems, or smarter control systems that waste less energy. These are low-hanging fruit, and they often pay for themselves. Switch to Electric Where Possible Electrifying industrial equipment means you can tap into renewable electricity. For some things, like low-temperature drying or electric arc furnaces for recycling steel, it’s already doable. High-heat processes are tougher, but technology is improving fast. Bring in Green Hydrogen Hydrogen can burn hot like fossil fuels, but when it’s made with clean electricity (we call it "green hydrogen"), it doesn’t release CO2. This is a game-changer for heavy industry. For example, instead of using coal to make steel, some companies are testing hydrogen as a clean alternative. Capture the Carbon We Can’t Avoid Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) sounds like science fiction, but it’s very real. These systems trap CO2 from factories and either store it underground or turn it into something useful. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the only ways to deal with unavoidable emissions, like those from cement. Rethink the Materials We can also lower emissions by reimagining what we use and how we use it. Some startups are making low-carbon or even carbon-negative cement. Others are finding ways to recycle chemicals and plastics more effectively. Innovation in materials science is moving fast.

Building a Better Tomorrow With Senergy

By Anna Naim • April 22, 2025

Let’s be honest, the construction industry has historically had a pretty heavy footprint. Between energy use, material waste, and carbon emissions, traditional building practices have contributed significantly to environmental degradation. We started Senergy Builders because we knew there was a better way to do this work. One that respects natural resources, prioritizes energy efficiency, and takes long-term environmental impact seriously. Sustainability isn’t just a box we check. It's part of every conversation we have, every design we draft, and every material we choose. At Senergy Builders, every day is a chance to build something meaningful. When we say this, we’re not just talking about structures, but a future that’s more sustainable, more thoughtful, and more in balance with the planet we all share. But on Earth Day, we take a moment to pause, reflect, and talk about why our work goes beyond construction. It’s about responsibility, resilience, and protecting the Earth for the generations to come. How We’re Reducing Impact Through Smarter Building Sustainable building comes with consistency, resilience, and dedication. All for the betterment of the planet, starting with our home of Grand Junction. For us, it means using practical, proven strategies that reduce a home or building’s environmental impact, during construction and long after the keys are handed over. Here’s a look at what that actually means on the ground: Energy Efficient Design From passive solar layouts to high-performance insulation and energy modeling, we design buildings that require significantly less energy to heat, cool, and power. Renewable Energy Integration We regularly install solar systems and prepare homes for future clean energy upgrades. Sustainable Materials Whenever possible, we source responsibly harvested wood, reclaimed materials, and non-toxic finishes that are better for the environment and for the people living or working in the space. Waste Reduction on Site Construction can be messy, but we work hard to minimize waste and recycle materials during and after the build. Durability and Longevity A truly sustainable building isn’t just efficient, it’s built to last. The longer a structure holds up, the less often it needs to be replaced or renovated. Earth Day And Every Day Earth Day is a reminder, but this is year-round work. This day is important as it shines a spotlight on the planet and the choices we make. But for us, environmental responsibility isn’t a one-day event. It’s baked into our everyday practices, our partnerships, and our long-term goals. We’re constantly asking ourselves how we can improve: What materials are emerging that have a lower environmental cost? How can we make high-efficiency homes more accessible to more people? What kind of legacy are we leaving behind with each build? We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to the process, and that starts with asking the right questions.

How Energy Efficient Homes Prioritize Your Comfort

By Anna Naim • March 30, 2025

We’ve all heard about the importance of protecting the environment and reducing our carbon footprints. But let’s be honest, when it comes to making eco-friendly choices, most of us don’t always think about how it affects our daily lives. We’re busy, and sometimes the thought of “saving the planet” feels a bit far removed from our personal comfort. But here’s the thing: we’re here to tell you that energy efficient homes aren’t just good for the environment - they’re also great for your comfort. Let’s Talk About the Environment First Okay, let’s start with the obvious: energy efficient homes help the environment. It’s like a win-win for the planet. Homes consume a lot of energy - think heating, cooling, lighting, and powering your favorite gadgets. All that energy comes from somewhere, and too often, it’s from non-renewable sources like coal or gas, which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming and climate change. Energy efficient homes reduce this impact. Thanks to better insulation, energy efficient windows, and more sustainable appliances, these homes use less energy and lower the demand for fossil fuels. It’s like your home becomes a little eco-warrior, cutting back on waste and pollution. And hey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says if everyone made their homes more energy efficient, we could cut energy use by 20% and reduce harmful emissions by a ton. That’s where we can make a difference. But we all know that life happens, and the planet’s future isn’t the only thing on our minds. Let’s talk about the perks of energy efficient homes for you, the person actually living in one. Temperature Control and Comfort All Year Round Anyone who’s ever battled with a wonky thermostat knows how frustrating it can be to keep a consistent temperature in your home. In the winter, you’re bundled up under blankets, waiting for the heat to kick in, and in summer, you’re cranking the AC to survive the heatwave. And even then, it’s never quite right, right? Enter energy efficient homes. These homes are designed to keep the temperature just right. Good insulation means your house can hold onto the warmth in the winter and the cool air in the summer, so you’re not constantly adjusting the thermostat or dealing with cold drafts. Instead of feeling like you’re living in a sauna or an icebox, your home stays comfortable no matter what the weather is doing outside. What’s even better? Advanced heating and cooling systems like geothermal heat pumps or smart thermostats take comfort to the next level. These systems use the earth’s temperature or learn your schedule to adjust things automatically, so you always come home to a cozy house. It’s like your home is working with you, not against you, to keep things comfy. Fresh Air and Better Breathing

What Is A Net Zero Home

What Exactly Is A Net Zero Home?

History of Net Zero Homes

Net Zero Homes vs. Passive Homes