Energy free: homes for a small planet

List of Figures

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1. What's It All About?

Why ZEH?

Which Energy Use?

Components of household energy use

Personal transportation

Other components of household energy use

So, what to include?

What Does It Mean To Be Net-Zero Energy?

Off-grid, on-grid?

Where is the energy produced?

How is the energy measured?

Choosing a definition

How Do You Get There?

Chapter 2. Net-Zero Home Economics

Making Choices Instead of Paying Premiums for Greener Buildings

Net Cost of Ownership - Who Pays, Who Benefits?

Homeowner-builder/long-term owner

Speculative builder

Multifamily affordable housing projects

Bottom line

Other Multifamily Findings

Incentives and Innovative Financial Arrangements

Payback- the Relative Cost-Efficiency of Various Options

First, the conventional wisdom

A contrarian view

What about your project?

Relative cost-effectiveness

Chapter 3. Integrated Design

What Is Integrated Design, and Why Does It Matter?

The Integrated Process

Phases of the Process

Phase 1. Setting Goals

Phase 2. Building Your Team

Phase 3. Launching the Process

Phase 4. Promoting Teamwork

Phase 5. Working through the Design

Does Integrated Design Cost More?

A Footnote about Construction

Chapter 4. Minimize the Energy Your Building Needs

The Basics

Size matters

Form factors: the influence of context

Siting

Massing

Orientation

Enclosure Design

What is a Passive House?

Air sealing

Walls, roofs, and floors

Foundations

Doors and windows

Assemblies and layering

Comfort Strategies and Systems

Heating

Cooling

Prioritizing Elements

Hot Water

Water heating equipment

Hot water delivery

Drain water heat recovery

Hot water use

Multifamily considerations

Chapter 5. Minimize the Occupants' Energy Needs

Major Appliances

Induction cooktops

Refrigerators

Dishwashers

Clothes washers and dryers

Lighting

Fixtures

Table and standing lamps

Controls

Using your lights

Water Use

Bathrooms

Kitchens

Gardens

Pools and spas

Using less

Household Gadgets

Be aware and buy wisely (or not at all)

After buying: tips for minimizing plug loads

Automation

Managing Heating and Other Systems

Monitoring and Behavior

Simple plug-in electric meters

Whole-home electricity monitors

Smart electric metering dashboards

Multi-system dashboards

Occupant Education

Chapter 6. Power the Rest

Solar Hot Water

Do you need separate storage?

Estimating hot water demand and storage

Estimating collector size

Choosing a collector

Passive or active? Open loop or closed?

Should you include a solar thermal system?

Other applications

Renewable Electricity

Fuel choices; all-electric?

Solar Electricity: Photovoltaics

PV options

System sizing

Wind Turbines

Building-integrated wind

Turbine selection

Backup Power

Hybrids

Other Options

Choosing a Renewable System

Community Issues

Appendix A. Resources / Bibliography

Appendix B. Case Study Resources

Appendix C. National High-Performance Home Programs

Appendix D. Green Building Advisor