Jerseyville Gets Net Zero Subdivision

Lexington Farms, a brand new green community in Jerseyville, Ill.
(photo by Laurie Skrivan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)  

Jerseyville, Illinois, about 40 miles north of St. Louis, is now on the net zero map with a new subdivision designed to provide its residents with no-cost electricity. MidAmerica Solar of Imperial, Sachs Electric of Fenton and Capstone Development Group of Webster Groves built the Lexington Farms subdivision, which includes 32 homes with rooftop solar panels and wind turbines mounted over garages.

According to Jeff Lewis, president of MidAmerica Solar, over the course of the year, the solar panels and wind turbines provide all the energy needed to power heating and air-conditioning systems, along with other household electricity needs. Lewis says that while similar technology has been used in homes, it hasn't been done on this scale for an entire subdivision.

Read more about the new net zero subdivision in this STLToday.com article.

The World's First Self-Contained Franchise

Atlantic Windshield Repair Micro Franchise in Alabama (credit: Atlantic Windshield Repair)

Owning and operating a franchise just became easier thanks to the recent development of the world's first fully self-contained franchise facility. Created by Alabama-based Seale Solar in cooperation with Atlantic Windshield Repair, the facility uses solar panels to provide all of its power and runs a reverse osmosis system that takes rain water and converts it to potable water. The building even processes all of its own waste - solar power is used to run a composting toilet that processes human waste into a mulch material that can be used as a fertilizer.

At only 17 feet by 40 feet, this "Micro Franchise" is small but has the ability to run just like any other business.

Learn more about the new micro facility that is breaking new ground in the franchise industry. 

ZNE Within Reach for More Homeowners

rendering of "InVision Zero" home (credit: Dow Building Solutions)

The Dow Chemical Company and Cobblestone Homes - a Michigan-based homebuilder focused on energy-efficiency - recently introduced a new ZNE home that makes sustainable living an affordable reality for more homeowners. Dubbed "InVision Zero" and built for under $250,000, the home is priced at the current U.S. average new home selling price.

Learn more about "Vision Zero" here.