Artisan/Craftsman/Builder: Looking to the Zero-Energy House

Zero Energy (ZE) homes and buildings offset the energy they use from the power grid with energy produced from renewable sources such as solar-electric and solar-thermal systems. Because of the reduced energy consumption and capacity to create electricity and send it back into the grid, the net result is that the energy created equals the energy used. The Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Association of Home Builders all are promoting the goals of the National Energy Policy Act by encouraging the adoption of economically competitive ZE building practices.

The homeowner benefits of ZE construction include energy efficiency and lower utility costs, increased comfort, better indoor air quality, increased resale value, and a sense of environmental responsibility. Utility companies benefit from less peak demand and a more stable grid as well as meeting their renewable production targets and quotas. The public benefits from reduced air emissions, less reliance on energy imports, and a reduction in the vulnerability of the energy infrastructure. As fossil-fuel sources are depleted and energy prices climb, ZE becomes more crucial.

The first basic element in building ZE is the design of the home's thermal, heating, cooling, and lighting systems. This includes, passive solar, shade structures, insulation and air infiltration, the efficiency of the appliances, and the amount of electricity or gas used by these systems. The other element is comprised of active technologies such as solar water heating, photovoltaics, wind power, small scale hydropower, and fuel cells.

The cost and aesthetics of fluorescent lighting have improved dramatically. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) will make further dramatic improvements. Using spray foam for roofing systems and in- the-wall insulation systems increases the thermal performance of a building. There are efficient boilers in which so much of the heat has been captured and put to use that the exhaust is vented through a plastic pipe. Appliances and air conditioners are becoming much more efficient. The cost of photovoltaic panels is falling, the size is getting smaller, and they are producing more electricity.

Recognizing the concept of Zero Energy in constructing our new buildings is the first step in large-scale adoption of these building practices. Near-term action will have a major influence on the length of time it takes for ZE to become widely accepted.

There now are state and a federal tax credits up to $9,000 for active solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. The rules will be published by mid-year by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department. See www.emnrd.state.nm.us/EMNRD/ecmd/ SolarTaxCredits/SolarTaxCredits.htm.

Public Service Company of New Mexico is paying a rebate to approved grid-tied photovoltaic systems. The rebate for electricity produced back into the system is 13 cents per KwH. For more information go to http://www.pnm.com/customers/pv/program.htm.

Kurt Faust is an artist, blacksmith, cabinetmaker, and homebuilder. He owns Tierra Concepts Inc. and Taos Furniture with his two partners, Eric Faust and Keith Gorges.

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