An NZE home costs the owner nothing or returns money to the owner each year for its heating and cooling, cooking, lights, and all other energy needs.  It starts with a home size that is comfortable and meets the family needs, but does not provide unnecessary or wasted space.  It does not compromise comfort or conveniences.

Next, the building envelope is optimized with excellent insulation, complete air infiltration sealing, good windows and doors.  The placement of doors and windows is done to achieve solar gain and reduce unnecessary heat or cooling loss.  Proper ventilation and fresh air are provided by a heat recovery ventilation unit. 

The site selection and home placement on the site are done to maximize solar advantage and wind or weather protection.  More specifically, in the site selection process, we evaluate solar exposure, forestation, soil conditions, zoning, system selection and energy strategy.  Once a site is chosen, considerations for home placement include what the topography is, where true south is, and where the ground panels may be placed.

Then the fun begins…with options including passive solar, solar photovoltaics (for electricity), solar hot water (heat and domestic hot water), a wind turbine (electricity), and geo-thermal heating (yes, it works in Vermont).  All of these technologies are available today, but must be selected based on the characteristics of the site, a cost-benefit analysis and available subsidies from state and federal sources.