ZNE More Mainstream, Researchers Say

Locations of ZNE buildings, in a variety of U.S. climates (source: NBI)

Zero net energy commercial buildings are becoming more mainstream and don't need to cost more to build, according to a recent report from the New Buildings Institute . The report looked at 21 ZNE buildings and 78 zero-energy-capable buildings in the U.S. and Canada, and determined features the buildings shared and any incremental costs.

What they found was that, although the buildings all use highly efficient equipment, there was no super advanced technology that is not commonly known or used. The study also found that there is a growing number of larger ZNE schools and office buildings.

While the buildings studied operate in many climates, they share a few common efficiency strategies, such as natural daylighting, high-efficiency lighting and increased insulation.

Read more about the research study here. 

CHIP On View at California Science Center Through May 31

Inside CHIP (source: SCI-arch Caltech)

Last month, we wrote about CHIP (Compact Hyper-Insulated Prototype), the progressive zero net energy building created by students from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and California Institute of Technology.

Through a partnership with the California Science Center in Los Angeles, the house is now open to the public for free tours through May 31, 2012. Visitors can explore CHIP inside and out weekdays from 10 am - 1:30 pm, and weekends from 10 am - 4 pm.

Read more about the exhibit here. 

Hawaii Now Home to Nation's First ZNE, LEED-Platinum Affordable Housing Project

Kaupuni Village (source: Hunt Companies, Inc.)

Kaupuni Village, touted as the nation's first ZNE affordable housing project, recently achieved LEED Platinum Certification in the LEED for Homes Rating System. Located on the Wai'anae coast of Oahu, Hawaii, the community was constructed by Hunt Companies, Inc., and planned and developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), as a model for future developments.

All three- and four-bedroom homes within the community incorporate energy efficient features, such as solar water heating, photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, renewable materials, and energy efficient lighting and appliances. Housing is available to residents that meet the income requirements below 80 percent of the area median income.

As an added bonus, Kaupuni Village's community center will provide residents with opportunities to grow and prepare their own foods via gardening spaces, aquaculture ponds and an imu (or underground) oven.

Read more about Kaupuni Village here.