The U.S. Department of Energy is pushing homebuilders to construct zero energy ready homes.
"It’s the home of the future and it’s the home every consumer would choose if they were acting in their own self-interest, a better home for lower cost," said Sam Rashkin, chief architect U.S. Department of Energy.
Zero energy ready homes can cost more upfront but produce savings over the long term.
"The reason for that is that the improvements it takes to make a house zero energy ready – the enclosure, the comfort system, the indoor air quality system, all those key components any consumer would want to have anyway – the incremental cost they add to the mortgage is offset by the monthly energy savings," said Rashkin.
A zero energy ready home certified home has to be at least 40 to 50 percent more energy efficient than a typical new home.
Department of Energy Chief Architect Sam Rashkin point out some other benefits.
"Zero energy ready homes reduce the risk of homes having moisture issues, comfort issues, indoor air quality issues that come along with our movement toward higher efficiency," said Rashkin.
Also, you make it easier to go off the grid for heating and electrical needs.
"Now at the end if you do simple no cost, low-cost details you could actually make the house ready for a solar electric system at any time you want in the future with hardly any cost penalties so you truly have a zero energy ready house," said Rashkin.