Energy Efficient Homes Don’t Have to Sacrifice Creature Comforts

A more refined approach to net zero construction is making its grand debut in the residential sector, and builders across the globe are taking note. The concept of net zero home building has been put to the test for decades, but more recently, builders are finding ways to create energy efficient homes without compromising on must-have creature comforts or design features, says Insider.

Net zero homes replace fossil fuels with all electric options powered by solar panels or other on-site energy sources, and many also incorporate recycled materials like steel and reclaimed wood in their designs. Best of all, energy efficient home features not only reduce utility costs over time, but come in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Sawmill House, for example, was constructed in part with reused and recycled materials, including 25 tons of steel salvaged from a decommissioned cement plant nearby. This not only removed the materials from the waste stream but also helped the homeowner save an estimated $40,000. Because Sawmill is off-grid and uses solar energy, the home has no annual utility costs beyond the roughly $500 its owners spend on propane each year.

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