In this podcast, Richard W. MacMath, AIA, defines a “Zero Energy Home” (ZEH), reveals how such a home reduces its energy use to zero, and describes what it takes to make affordable green housing possible.

A 2004 competition in Austin sought designs for an affordable, detached, single-family ZEH prototype. About 100 of these homes would be built in a low-income neighborhood. The competition was sponsored jointly by the Austin Energy Green Building Program (GBP), the Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department, and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Scoring criteria included the GBP single-family residential rating, affordability, and existing neighborhood design guidelines. Four entries received awards. This podcast describes the context, stakeholders, design criteria, building program, and schedule for the design and construction of the homes and features one of the award-winning entries.

Changing to an electrical energy grid and taking steps to ensure a house’s energy efficiency can reduce residential energy costs by 65 percent compared to a conventional (built to code) single-family detached residence. A solar photovoltaic system and a greener lifestyle can further reduce those costs. McMath outlines several cases to show how to achieve this and what the current setbacks are. In some cases, utilities have actually credited accounts.