With this in mind, zero-carbon home building is becoming more popular. So what do you need to know about zero-carbon home building before you put it on your resume?

1. What Does Net Zero-Carbon Mean?

First, what does it mean for a home to be zero-carbon? There are two parts to that answer — your home’s operational energy and embodied energy.

Embodied energy refers to the carbon expense of your building materials — concrete, timber, steel, etc. You can begin to offset that portion by choosing recycled, reclaimed, or other eco-friendly construction materials and selecting options designed to be energy-efficient.

Your operational energy, on the other hand, refers to the power you use and your impact on the environment. This is where things like eco-friendly electric heat pumps and Energy Star appliances come into play.

2. The Materials and Appliances Play a Large Role

Instead of choosing traditional building materials, the first step toward creating a zero-carbon home is to choose materials with a smaller carbon footprint that will be easier to offset in the long run.

Recycled materials are closer to zero-carbon than new ones, and choosing things like limecrete instead of concrete can help further reduce that number.

At this stage, you’ll also want to choose windows that help reduce heat loss. Double- or triple-glazed glass are the best option, allowing plenty of natural light into the home without bleeding heat during the cooler months or allowing too much heat in during the warm months. This, in turn, reduces the home’s energy usage and shrinks its carbon footprint, bringing it closer to that zero-carbon goal.

3. No Gas Here — Zero-Carbon Is All-Electric

Gas ranges are popular for cooking, and gas is a standard tool for heating homes across the country. But you won’t find either in a zero-carbon home. Instead, these properties come equipped with electric ranges and ovens, as well as electric heating or geothermal gas pumps, which we’ll look at in more detail in a moment.

This has a secondary bonus of improving interior air quality. Burning natural gas releases many contaminants, from carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides to sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds, all of which can negatively affect interior air quality.

Plus, no matter how clean it is, natural gas is still a fossil fuel. And one of the primary goals of a zero-carbon house is to get away from fossil fuels as much as possible.

4. Zero-Carbon Homes are Airtight and Insulated

Two of the biggest aspects of zero-carbon homes are airtightness and insulation. This is a step above what you’ll find in a more traditional home. These properties are designed to be as airtight as possible unless a door or window is open, and are more heavily insulated to reduce the amount of energy necessary to heat and cool the home.

These homes also focus on elements like blown cellulose insulation rather than a more traditional fiberglass because it’s renewable, carbon-neutral, and biodegradable.

5. The Carbon Footprint May or May Not Include Transportation

There are two schools of thought on this. Some believe your home’s carbon footprint doesn’t include your transportation. Others believe it should all be lumped together.

The argument is that the home’s eventual location plays a large role in the household’s total carbon footprint. The farther you are from work, school, and other facilities, the farther you have to travel and the more fossil fuels you expend. Your carbon footprint expands as a result.

Homeowners can offset this by making the switch to electric vehicles — especially if their home runs primarily on solar or other green energy — reducing their commute, or using public transportation whenever possible.

6. They’re More Expensive Than Traditional Homes

This is something potential homeowners will need to consider before breaking ground. Zero-carbon homes are usually 5%-15% more expensive than conventional home construction.

This isn’t a bad thing, though the idea of paying more on day one for the same size home could be a little off-putting for some homebuyers.

On the flip side, there are savings to consider. The reduced utility costs mean the house and its zero-carbon improvements start paying for themselves from day one.

7. There Are Additional Steps to Obtain LEED Certification

While it’s not necessary for a zero-carbon home, many homeowners wish their homebuilders to apply for LEED certification. There are six categories to consider when applying for LEED certification:

• Location
• Water efficiency
• Energy/atmosphere
• Material/resource selection
• Indoor air quality
• Innovation

Make sure you study the requirements if a LEED certification application is also in your construction plan.

8. Many Zero-Carbon Homes Incorporate Heat Pumps

Instead of relying on gas or electricity to heat and cool the home, many zero-carbon homes rely on heat pumps to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and to offset the carbon output of a given structure.

These pumps are connected to a series of pipes buried deep in the ground below the house. During the winter, they collect Earth’s heat and use it to keep your house warm. In the summer, they can pull heat away from your home, keeping it more comfortable.

This is often the best option for heating and cooling a zero-carbon home. Even electric HVAC systems have a small carbon footprint due to their reliance on electricity, especially if you’re still hooked up to the grid. Heat pumps are optimal when other forms of green and renewable energy aren’t available or are impractical.

9. You Can Retrofit Existing Properties to Make Them Zero-Carbon

You don’t have to start from the ground up to build a zero-carbon home, although it is often easier. You can retrofit existing properties to make them as close to zero-carbon as possible.

The only place you’re likely to run into issues is with the original building materials. But you may be able to mitigate that with a carbon offset program to achieve true zero-carbon status.

There isn’t a lot of information yet on how these retrofits affect the overall value of the property. But with new zero-carbon homes already costing more than traditional construction, it’s safe to assume investing in retrofitting an existing property will help increase the overall value.

10. The Government May Offer Incentives to Go Zero Carbon

As with most green technologies, many state and federal government offices offer incentives to encourage homeowners to seek out zero-carbon buildings.

The exact details of these incentives vary from state to state and from country to country. The future homeowner may be able to claim these incentives in the form of tax credits or rebates, or even as discounts on construction materials.

Construction companies may also be able to claim incentives for building these zero-carbon structures, depending on the rules of your local incentive program.

The Future of the Zero-Carbon Home

Zero-carbon homes will become an essential part of the construction industry moving forward as countries around the globe look for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and adhere to the outlines set up by the Paris Climate Accords.

This will continue to shape homebuilding for years to come, making now the perfect time for construction companies to get their foot in the door and start offering zero-carbon building solutions.

The post 10 Things to Know About Zero-Carbon Home Building appeared first on Green Building Insider.

1. Inspect the Building’s Condition

Some green building projects don’t start from scratch. When adding onto or renovating a property, always inspect the building’s current condition. Malfunctioning electrical writing or old piping could hurt or flood the team when they arrive to work.

A quick inspection will also reveal any potential sustainable additions the site needs. Getting ahead of problems before they occur is always better for everyone involved. Companies gain employee respect and enjoy better standing in the community because management cares about their team members and their projects’ quality.

2. Use Edge Fall Protection

While constructing a multi-story building or working on a home’s second story, edge fall protection saves lives. It only takes moments to install and makes it easier for workers to install requested energy-efficient windows and reduce the property’s energy usage. Ensure that the netting isn’t fraying or otherwise damaged before installing.

Replacing older materials and recycling them is a worthy investment in site safety and employee protection.

3. Double Check Scaffolding

Scaffolding provides the necessary support for in-progress projects, but it typically uses traditional materials. Switch to eco-friendly alternatives without compromising site safety by opting for bamboo scaffolding.

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials because it matures in three to five years, compared to trees that take decades to do the same. Site managers can also use reclaimed wood for some scaffolding and platforms if they want more options.

4. Install Safety Netting

Heavy-duty safety netting is nonnegotiable for any construction project. They’re an extra form of protection against falls that happen while installing sustainable roofing materials or setting up solar panels. If any supplies fall, the net can catch those too.

5. Compare Eco-Friendly Materials

There are a few ways construction project managers can compare eco-friendly materials for upcoming sites. Research options like bamboo, reclaimed wood and precast concrete slabs. The information could transform a project and make it greener than previously planned.

Eco-friendly materials might exist naturally or use green production methods to cut down on resource waste. It’s essential to review every option and potentially re-use existing foundational parts, especially if a project requires LEED certification.

6. Remember Face Protection

Construction workers spend most of their time out in the sun, handling tools that could easily cause injuries with a single mistake or distracted moment. New green buildings or renovations require new procedures that could also be new to some team members, increasing the risk of injuries.

A recent study found a 36% increase in injuries from lacerations on properties intended for LEED certification, a popular method to guarantee energy efficiency. Providing face protection for every team member with masks and safety glasses is necessary for sustainable construction projects.

Mitigating these odds is part of determining vulnerabilities and managing risks before beginning a new site so everyone remains safe.

7. Define Proper Clothing

Dress codes may seem limited to grade schools and offices, but every construction team should have one as well. The right clothing shields workers from dangers like sunburns and skin irritation from dust. Some team members might have experience and know what to wear, but management shouldn’t assume that everyone’s on the same page.

One of the best safety tips for green building workers is defining proper clothing. Outline required protective apparel such as:

• Jeans
• Long sleeve shirts
• Work boots

It’s also crucial for people to wear safety gloves and earplugs around dangerous materials and loud machinery. Requiring these clothes and enforcing them when someone breaks the dress code reduces the chance of injuries and ensures a timely site completion.

8. Establish Shoe Guidance

Shoes can also protect or harm team members. They provide proper arch support for workers who spend all day on their feet. Employees will have more job satisfaction and retain their health if they don’t deal with daily back and neck pain related to improper shoes.

Establish team-wide shoe guidance so everyone knows what to wear. Slip-resistance and puncture-proof soles are essential on any site. Boots with safety-toes like metal caps will also prevent machinery or supplies from crushing toes.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines construction foot protection with the same specifications, so including them in the company dress code ensures safety and OSHA compliance.

9. Provide Proper Headgear

Anyone on a green construction site should wear proper headgear. Management should provide hard hats to anyone entering a site, even if it’s the client requesting a quick tour. They shelter people from falling debris and hitting their head on materials while working.

Even if a site uses solar energy or underground heating systems, electric shock injuries are still a potential risk during different construction phases. Hard hats draw electricity away from the people wearing them, reducing the risk of electric shock while working around frayed wiring and other electrical systems.

The right headgear will also provide extra light during late work hours in the winter or overnight shifts. Anyone working near or past sunset should have access to hats with headlamps and face shields for extra protection during riskier hours.

10. Keep Recycling Close

Traditional construction sites set up massive dumpsters for waste, which end up in local landfills. Green building projects can use the same containers for recycling and make employees safer by keeping that bin on-site. It minimizes how far team members have to go to get rid of waste properly.

Without repeatedly going on and off-site, teams deal with less foot traffic and maintain their safety better. No one will accidentally walk through an area with falling debris or disrupt a multi-person effort that requires focus. It makes recycling more manageable and improves the sustainability of any construction site.

Use Safety Tips for Green Building

Everyone can use these safety tips for green building projects. They’re both personal and company responsibilities that require supporting each other so every site is safer for everyone involved and kinder on the environment.

The post 10 Safety Tips for Green Building appeared first on Green Building Insider.

What are the ins and outs of geothermal energy? Take a look.

Renewable Energy: Background

If you’re interested in environmental issues, you probably know that the United States uses a lot of fossil fuels. These are the fossilized remains of plants and animals that we burn to create power sources like oil and gas. About 89% of the energy America consumes comes from nonrenewable energy sources in some form.

The process of extracting and burning fossil fuels leads to pollution, deforestation and more. It’s also evident that fossil fuels release carbon into the air. That leads to the increased warming of the Earth. Plus, you should note that fossil fuels aren’t replenishable. We’re tapping into a finite amount of those resources — and soon enough, they’ll be gone.

It’s easy enough to see why renewable energy is a must. These are power sources we can always access because they occur naturally — like the sun. The most present issue with renewable energy is that it’s “flow-limited.” We can’t always generate power from the wind because it’s not continuously blowing, for example.

A Summary of Geothermal Energy

This is one of the most common types of renewable energy. The essence of geothermal energy is straightforward. It’s generated by using heat that comes from the sub-surface of the Earth via water or steam. You can use geothermal energy for both heating and cooling purposes.

The best place to locate geothermal energy is near tectonic plate boundaries where volcanoes and fumaroles are located. If you’ve ever heard of the Ring of Fire, you already know one place where geothermal sources are plentiful. In the United States, the Southwest has the most abundant access to geothermal resources.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Various countries, like Iceland, almost exclusively use geothermal to power homes and businesses. The most significant sell point is it can work year-round despite varying weather conditions in different climates. Geothermal also operates at high capacities, and it’s easier to maintain and lasts longer than HVAC systems.

Like other renewable resources, it’s challenging to cheaply integrate geothermal technology into the country’s overarching energy system. You can also only implement geothermal plants in particular regions. You also need electricity to power heat pumps.

How Is Geothermal Energy Used Currently?

It’s most common for individuals to install geothermal systems themselves. The majority of homes in America were built before renewable energy was even considered for residential purposes. That means it’s up to you to put in the geothermal heat pump yourself. But this situation is slowly changing.

It’s becoming more popular to use geothermal while building new construction homes. Traditionally, you’d almost always outfit a house for an HVAC system — but energy conservation can be tricky when those appliances aren’t adjusted correctly. The solution is renewable energy.

There are projects popping up across the country that use geothermal energy. These alternatives are being implemented in entire communities as a way to mitigate upfront costs. This price tag of nearly $10,000 continues to be the largest deterrent for those who want to install sustainable energy systems.

Obstacles in the Way of Mainstream Geothermal Energy

What are other obstacles aside from cost preventing geothermal energy from becoming mainstream?

A significant hurdle is education. If you don’t know the benefits of geothermal energy, why would you advocate to install systems in your projects? Learning about the perks of renewable possibilities as a whole can ensure these alternatives become more popular. That goes for advantageous for the project, like less noise pollution, too.

Gearing the responsibility toward developers is also smart. The average homeowner will rarely choose to install a geothermal pump when they could put that money toward a kitchen remodel. By investing in this alternative as a builder, you can enjoy positive outcomes for years — even if you don’t see them immediately.

Land development is another consideration. There’s a lot of planning that goes into implementing geothermal for entire communities. Allocating space for geothermal grids like you would water lines is an effective way to get developers acquainted with this alternative energy. An integrated system will also help mitigate costs.

The Future of Geothermal Energy

There’s no denying that renewable energy as a whole is becoming more prevalent. That said, it’ll take time for options like geothermal energy to turn into household names. The transition will continue to be a gradual shift.

This point doesn’t mean it’s not looking good for renewable energy. There are various cities around the world working to incentivize sustainable ventures in building projects. In Austin, Texas, all new construction must be net-zero energy. These aspects are a significant indicator that a rise in geothermal and other power sources might be on the horizon.

We also can’t underestimate the power of sustainable living. More people make green choices every day. In fact, you’re in the minority if you don’t want to switch to these habits. This desire to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle is one that could help geothermal thrive. Energy is a huge part of climate change, after all.

The best way for residential developers to advocate for geothermal energy is to showcase advantages the right way. It might cost a significant amount to install, but you see the savings immediately when you compare energy bills. Builders should also forgo discussing technical aspects with homeowners. It’s more effective to tell them this system will require less maintenance, for instance.

It Won’t Be Long Before More Residents Want Green Power

At the end of the day, it’s evident that geothermal has a bright future. There are already development projects around the country installing grids to ensure every home has access to those capabilities. The switch will take time, but you might be seeing more geothermal systems pop up sooner rather than later.

The post What’s the Future of Geothermal for Home Building in 2021? appeared first on Green Building Insider.