Zero Net-Energy Ready Homes 2013.
The U.S. Department of Energy CHALLENGE HOME program represents a whole new level in home performance and lifestyle with outstanding levels of energy savings, building durability, home comfort and health.
DOE Challenge Homes are at least 40%-50% more energy efficient than a typical new home and are verified by a qualified third-party.
The DOE Challenge Home offers a guideline for contractors to build the house of the future, the Zero Net-Energy Ready Home (ZNERH) using today’s building technology and science by incorporating:
- Current Building Science and Complete Synergy Systems ~ Energy Star Homes.
- Using proven Technology & Best Practices ~ DOE Building American program.
- Efficient Components ~ Energy Star appliances, lights & fans.
- Indoor Air Quality, IAQ ~ EPA indoor AirPlus program.
- Solar & Renewable Energy Ready Homes checklist.
- Water Efficiency ~ EPA Water Sense program.
- Disaster Resistance ~ IBHS Fortified Home program.
- Integrated Quality Management.
- Maximizing ZNERH using Passive House additional requirements.
The Zero Net-Energy Ready Home combines the above proven programs with third party raters to maximize an energy efficient healthy home at reasonable cost and value. The homeowner, builder and architect have two different paths to qualify a home for the DOE Challenge Home initiative:
Prescriptive Path ~ To use the prescriptive path, follow the DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements.
Performance Path ~ Registered verifiers can now use REM/Rate V14 and EnergyGauge USA 3.1.00 to qualify homes to meet the DOE Challenge Home
For more information on the DOE Challenge Home program and Zero Net-Energy Ready Homes please click here. ~ www.Buildings.Energy.gov/challenge
David Popoff is a certified “Green Homes Specialist” Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Cell 203-228-0646
E-mail DavidPopoffCT@hotmail.com
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