Sustainable Building Forum

10 Zero Energy Homes are planned for the Issaquah Highlands in 2009.

Zero  Energy Homes (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2003628451_zeroenergy21e.html)

The return on investment on this would not be bad, considering the $100k to add all of the energy saving ideas, and a $2000 kick-back from the power grid (plus what you supply the grid) and the other incentives being low to no energy bills and tax breaks, this is a very viable construction plan. I will be following this intently.

I look forward to the day when every new construction uses solar panels on the roof and is built out of as much recycled material as is feasible.

Of course there are other small things to add on to it that people can do themselves. The article states tankless water heaters would be used and stormwater would be collected from the rooftops. Recycling shower heads (http://tinyurl.com/36bp6z) will cut that water usage down even more. Going with bamboo rather than hardwood floors. Using dishwashers rather than washing things by hand (really, it saves more water) would be key for the southwest and other arid areas. Going with gardens and landscaping using local plants that can survive in arid areas rather than planting a lawn and watering it every day. Etc., etc., etc.