Net-Zero Energy Home
In 2010 Dow collaborated with the State of Michigan and Cobblestone Builders, a Great Lakes Bay region homebuilder focused on energy efficiency, to build the first net-zero energy home in Michigan – the Vision Zero Home.
Using 60 to 70 percent less energy than a conventional home, the Vision Zero Home features a wide range of Dow materials and sustainable technologies, including STYROFOAM™ insulation and air-sealing products and POWERHOUSE™ solar roofing shingles. Using Dow’s readily available building solutions, the home will save $3,500 in annual energy costs and prevent more than 44,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.
Vision Zero was designed and built to educate and empower consumers on the viability of energy-efficient/net-zero energy construction by highlighting that the most important step is also the most affordable one – insulating and sealing all external walls, ceilings and foundation surfaces within the building envelope. Studies shows that using energy-efficient materials in the building envelope, such as STYROFOAM™ SIS Brand Insulation, THERMAX™ Sheathing and GREAT STUFF PRO™ Insulating Foam Sealants, can help reduce a home’s total energy consumption by as much as 50 percent.
Both affordable and replicable, the Vision Zero Home illustrates that net-zero homes can be successfully built in Northern climates and aligns with Dow’s commitment to sustainable building solutions and energy conservation. For a virtual tour and more information, please visit http://www.visionzerohome.com/. .