NET ZERO ENERGY CONSTRUCTION, PROVEN-SITE/SOURCE LESSONS LEARNED

摘要

Net zero energy construction is no longer an abstract idea for the future, it is here now. In the Hudson Valley of New York, a metal commercial building and a modern residence is the first proven site/source net zero energy buildings in New York. The first ever 100% site/source net zero energy residential development has already sold several homes in New Paltz, New York. These projects are also cost neutral or cost positive when mortgage and energy costs are considered together thanks to Federal and State incentives. Because of federal and state tax credits, it is possible to build cost neutral site/source net zero energy buildings in New York State by making the thermal, air and water control layers work optimally, installing high efficiency geothermal HVAC and installing enough solar PV to power it all. Solar PV is very expensive, so the installed cost per watt is the standard with which to evaluate the cost/benefit of all energy conservation measures. The energy used in the building must come from solar PV and it is a net sum calculation, use less energy or install more PV or other on site renewable energy source. I will use real buildings and their actual cost to build and operate as examples to show how we achieved site/source, cost neutral, net zero energy residential and commercial buildings in New York State.