Ideal Living - Winter 2010

Front-loading washing machines save energy and water consumption. When choosing lighting options, opt for LEDs and florescent fixtures.

Heating and Air

As stated above, use a passive solar energy. You may also want to consider using a geothermal system, which uses ground-source energy to heat and cool your home. The ground temperature around your house is fairly consistent year-round—approx 50°F in the north and warmer in the southern United States.

Add a Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy or photovoltaic energy
captures solar energy and stores it in a
battery or sends the energy back to the
grid. Most people still think of solar as
those unsightly large panels raised on the
roof of a home. However, that’s not the
case anymore. Major innovation has re-
sulted in lighter, more durable panels as
thin as 1/8”. Photovoltaic laminates can
adhere directly onto roofing materials
without damaging the roof. They even
come in solar shingles these days.

When Will Net-Zero Reach Mainstream Building?

Smaller builders and developers are currently pushing the envelope to create the most innovative energy-efficient designs available. They are smaller and able to take more risks. Watt believes that as soon as the major builders develop these technologies, it will be available in the general market. The sooner the homebuyer demands this level of efficiency, you’ll see it in your area. |

Show Attendee Finds Net-Zero Neighborhood
“It was a misty, dewy morning just before dawn. I could hear
the galloping horses snorting as they approached. Just as they burst
through the mist, the sun came up. Then, each of the riders came by
and said hello. I knew I was home.”

Terry Goad of Maryland said Ideal Living magazine started it all. She
had been reading Ideal Living for a few years when she decided to attend a
Live South Real Estate Show in the fall of 2009. She was considering relo-
cating, but wasn’t quite sure where. Goad was impressed with the number
of communities she found at the real estate show and said, “It was great.
They weren’t trying to sell you, but give you the information you needed. I
took advantage of one of the discovery packages and headed to Aiken, SC.”
At the show, she met with Ron Monahan of The Ridge at Chukker Creek
and was very interested in their net-zero homes. Goad said, “I just liked the
EnergyStar homes. Everyone should be building an EnergyStar. I’d like to
have a home that helps the environment. Anyone can exceed LEED levels
if they put enough money in it, but The Ridge exceeds Platinum levels at
an affordable price.”
Goad traveled with her sister-in-law to Aiken. She purchased one home-
site, and her sister-in-law and brother purchased also.

Everything in Aiken is in close proximity to The Ridge. Goad said, “Now, I go 19 miles to work every day, and it takes me one to one and a half hours to drive. I can’t wait to begin building my new energy-efficient home.”