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| A "typical" zero net energy home is designed to exceed minimum code standards. Zero net energy simply means that a home uses no more energy from the electrical grid over a given period than it produces on site. It will often incorporate advanced design and construction techniques and may include some (or all) of the following elements: |
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Advanced insulation materials such as SIPs, ICFs, and/or advanced, high R-value insulation packages. |
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| An SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) is a composite building material that typically consists of a thick layer of foam insulation, sandwiched between an interior and exterior layer of structural sheathing. |
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| ICFs (Insulating Concrete Forms) are hollow blocks or panels, often made of plastic foam, that are put in place to form the walls of a building and filled with reinforced concrete to create the structure. The left-in-place forms provide a continuous insulation and sound barrier. |
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Efficient use of building materials to minimize waste and reduce cost. |
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Balanced mechanical ventilation systems, including well-designed exhaust-only fan systems, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs). |
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Super high efficiency HVAC systems including inverter driven or geothermal heat pump technology. |
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High efficiency water heating including on-demand, indirect, and solar hot water systems. |
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Properly sized HVAC systems, including carefully designed ducts, which minimize leakage. |
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Air sealing and tight construction (i.e., less than 0.3 cfm50/square foot). |
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Optimal solar orientation with advanced glazing based on orientation. |
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Solar thermal water and/or photovoltaic (PV) systems. |
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Low heat loss on the order of 10 MBtu per square foot of conditioned space. |
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