[Greenbuilding] Zero Energy Homes

[Donald Eyermann]

George, 
As I thought about the comments you made I wondered if we're open to the
advent of another paradigm shift....A structure where the heat energy
loss/gain is Resolved through utilization of geothermal heat sink
characteristis of the earth and solar heat/UV collectors. I am working to
build a new home in 2008 using the following system. www.isomax-terrasol.de
circulates water through pipes in the ground, walls, ceiling, roof and has
an air exchange system partially co-routed with the water tubing that
effectively keeps the house at a constant temperature. The only energy
consumption is small pumps and fans. My vision is to add solar pv panels to
cover the elecrical needs of the family. Then my Goal is to take that a step
further and add more solar pv panels to recharge the advanced battery pack
of an electric automobile. We in Arizona have the advantage of 300 sunny
days a year. In other parts of the U.S. wind turbines, and alternative
electrical generation systems (possibly a sterling cycle "motor" turning a
generator)could be utilized, rather than burning coal to make electricity.
Whether or not we're open is the question, or do the oil and coal industrise
shape our "belief" or "common knowledge" that it can't be done any other
way, on a mass scale, at an effective, comparative cost.

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of George J.
Nesbitt
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 6:52 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Zero Energy Homes

I don't like the term Zero Energy Home.
It is impossible to ever build one.

It would have to have no electrical, gas, or any other appliance that uses
energy.
And it would have to have no occupants.

All homes and almost all buildings use energy.
An outhouse could produce it.

While it is possible to build a Low Energy Home.
Or a Net Zero Energy Home (one that produces as much energy as it uses).