Some recent research is showing that “zero-energy homes is almost to cost parity”. What does this mean in plain English?

First, here’s wikipedia’s explanation of “zero-energy”: [when the] total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.

In other words, a zero-energy home is a home that only uses the energy it helps create.

Reaching “cost parity” means that we are getting close to the point where paying extra upfront for a zero-energy home will pay for itself in reasonable timeframe.

The savings to people’s energy bills is about to make zero-energy homes worth buying–not just for rich people.

This news creates new implications for both homebuilders and homeowners. If you had a choice between building new homes that meet basic standards versus building comfortable homes that dramatically cut energy bills, do we build homes that are more expensive, but people will want more of? How about if the low-energy homes cost the same (or nearly the same) as a standard home to build? If the cost is relatively equal, shouldn’t every new home be built this way?

A recent Rocky Mountain Institute report makes the case that not only is this vision becoming achievable, in some locations in the United States the economics are in place today to make cost parity almost a reality. And in one New England location—thanks to progressive incentives and energy codes—it is a reality.

Check out the full story: New Zero-Energy Homes Almost to Cost Parity, While Codes & Incentives Help Cross the Finish Line—By RMI’s Alisa Petersen

The vast majority of Americans want a win-win-win when they buy their homes.

• win #1: comfortable home that looks good
• win #2: home within my budget or even saves me more money
• win #3: helps clean up the environment

Most early buyers of zero-energy homes have to sacrifice one for another. They might be well-off people who aren’t worried by the extra costs that they will never see again. Or they are those eager to give up comfort to be greener. It’s very exciting to hear that the advances in home construction will soon offer homes where Americans can get all three wins.