Eco Factor: Net-zero energy home developed by Dow Chemical Company.
The Dow Chemical Company and Cobblestone Homes have introduced Michigan’s first affordable net-zero energy home. Using readily available energy efficiency technologies from Dow, the house, dubbed the “Vision Zero” home is expected to save $3,507 in energy costs and avert 44,855 lbs of CO2 annually.
The Vision Zero home utilizes a variety of energy solutions from Dow and is proof that homeowners can affordably enjoy all the comforts of the modern home, with a reduced environmental impact and still achieve a net-zero utility bill.
The Vision Zero home includes next-generation insulation and air-sealing products, and the revolutionary new Solar Shingles developed by Dow. The solar components on this home, which includes a demonstration of Dow’s solar shingle, will produce enough energy to supply all of this home’s electricity needs plus additional electricity that can be sold back to the local utility company for energy credits.
The house uses geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool the home, solar water heating systems to provide hot water, as well as LED light bulbs, and ultra-high efficiency appliances can be found throughout the house. The Vision Zero house, located in Bay City, Michigan, will also be an educational center for builders and consumers for one year, providing tours, training and hands-on demonstrations.
Via: Dow Chemical Company [Press Release]