ENERGY BREAK-EVEN AT HOME

More new homes conserve energy
Wendy Koch, February 15, 2012 (USA Today)

"…For nearly the same price as other new homes, [four new duplexes nearing completion in downtown Frederick, Md., have complimentary iPads to monitor energy use from] solar panels, geothermal wells and ultra-efficient, factory-made exterior walls. They're designed to generate as much power as they use, along with thousands of dollars in renewable energy tax credits…

"…Nexus EnergyHomes…is building 55 zero-energy homes [of 1,600 to 1,700 square feet that sell at prices starting at $275,000. They may cost 5% to 8% more than similar-size new homes, but the buyer gets tax credits that offset the difference]…[N]et-zero homes may soon become archetypical. Despite the concerns of builders, an increasing number of states are adopting codes that require new homes and commercial buildings to use considerably less energy."

There is a lot of energy to be saved, which means a lot of money to be made. (click to enlarge)

"Maryland is…the first state nationwide, beginning last month, to require new residences to meet the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which requires an estimated 30% more efficiency than those built five years ago. Durham, N.H., also adopted it…and Houston did so with a three-year phase-in…More are coming. Next month is the official release of the first International Green Construction Code, a voluntary guide for commercial and public buildings to improve indoor air quality, as well as cut energy and water use. Maryland [Florida, North Carolina, Oregon and Arizona's Scottsdale and Phoenix plan] to adopt it [to varying degrees]…

"Energy building codes are generally updated every three years, but the last two cycles have required the biggest leaps in efficiency…[Many home builders balk at the tougher codes, citing higher costs and design constraints.] The 2009 IECC required 15% greater efficiency than the 2006 code [which adds an average of $840.77 to the cost of a new home but saves $243.37 in lower utility bills each year], and the 2012 version adds about another 15%...[23 states have adopted] the 2009 code for homes…[and 30 states have] a similar code for commercial projects…"