The Eco Engineer is currently working with Zero Energy Home
A zero energy home is one that requires no external energy supply other than that which is freely available from the sun, wind and rain. This is what all homes should be striving towards. If we can approach this in all residential and commercial buildings, then the remaining energy demand can be met by large-scale non-renewable energy generation schemes.
The steps to achieving zero energy operation are as follows:
- Select only the most energy efficient appliances and lighting and alter your habits to minimise your energy consumption (eg. wash clothes in cold water using cold water detergents).
- Optimise the performance of the building envelope through insulation, thermal mass and efficient glazing. Control air exchange to ensure that fresh air is entering the building but wanted heat is not being lost.
- Make best use of natural heating and cooling through passive solar design and ventilation.
- Install solar water heating to provide the majority of your domestic hot water needs throughout the year.
- Generate your own electricity using photo-voltaic (pv) cells, micro wind or hydro generation. This is usually the finally step on the road to achieving zero energy operation because it is the most expensive step.
Depending on specifics, the last two steps in achieving zero energy operation may well fall into the category of 'lifestyle choices'. Whilst the use of pv cells on an energy-efficient home can definitely achieve zero energy operation, it is very unlikely that the saving on your energy bill over the lifetime of the pv cells will pay for the pv cells. So installation of pv cells becomes a lifestyle choice. Buy a second, new, fuel-guzzling SUV and help to accelerate climate change and depletion of oil reserves, OR buy pv cells and a bicycle to supplement your existing economic car - YOU CHOOSE!