Climate change stories are incomplete without the big, bad villains \u2013 homo sapiens. Of all the nasty things we do, the process we use to build our dwellings and shelters is particularly nasty to the environment. According to United Nations reports a few years ago, the energy used to construct, operate and maintain buildings contributes to 40 % of global carbon dioxide emissions. That\u2019s a big bite of the pie, and governments, environmentalists and builders are scrambling to find ways to go on a much-needed diet. <\/p>\n
Among multiple approaches to improving sustainable construction initiatives, enter the net zero house, or a house that uses energy that it has generated by itself, resulting in a net zero emission of carbon dioxide. A net zero house generates as much energy as it uses, so it produces as much renewable energy, both on and off site, as it needs. This becomes a self-sustaining building, which is also carbon-neutral. They can also be referred to as zero carbon buildings or net zero energy buildings. <\/p>\n
A net zero house needs fresh thinking, accurate and effective building construction processes, energy-saving methodology and the use of modern technology.<\/p>\n
These houses do not use fossil fuels, such as natural gas and propane, at all, but rather uses electricity to power lights, cooking appliances, washers and dryers, for heating and cooling, hot water, electronics, etc. They can use tight, highly insulated building envelopes that need minimal energy for heating and cooling. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n