Building a home with zero net energy usage is an ambitious but admirable goal. Zero-energy houses use energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and insulation to decrease utility costs while still maintaining a comfortable living environment. Many of the top 10 art deco house designs feature zero-energy home designs, which include well-insulated walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as strategically placed windows and doors to maximize the amount of natural light entering the home. In addition, solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems can all be used to eliminate energy costs. Through the use of modern technology and renewable energy, a zero-energy home can be both beautiful and eco-friendly.Zero-Energy Home Designs
Passive House designs are a specific type of energy-efficient design, which is gaining traction in the green building industry. Often referred to as "zero energy homes," these homes maximize natural ventilation and insulation to create a comfortable interior climate without relying on heating and cooling systems. The walls, windows, and other features of the home are designed to capture and store energy from the sun, allowing the occupants to control the building's temperature without any additional sources of energy. In addition, these homes often feature high-efficiency appliances and solar-powered lighting to reduce the home's overall energy consumption.Passive House Designs
The term "zero carbon home" refers to a home that has no net emissions of carbon dioxide, the principle greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, zero-VOC paints, and energy-saving appliances are all features of zero-carbon homes. These homes are typically designed to be as airtight as possible, allowing fewer air pollutants to enter the home and reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. In addition, some zero-carbon homes feature geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, which help to reduce the home's overall energy footprint.Zero-Carbon Home Designs
Net zero homes are designed to produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis. This type of home is often referred to as a "zero-energy" home, as the energy used is either generated on site or offset through the purchase of renewable energy credits. This type of design often incorporates energy-efficient features such as double- or triple-glazed windows, deep roof insulation, and solar power systems. Due to their efficiency and design, net-zero homes often have significantly lower utility bills than traditional homes.Net Zero Home Designs
Green home designs are designed to reduce the impact of the home on the environment. Features may include energy-efficiency designs, renewable energy sources, and the use of materials with minimal environmental impact. For a home to qualify as green, the design must incorporate practices that protect the environment, reduce energy and water consumption, and conserve natural resources. Many of the top 10 art deco house designs feature green house designs, which are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.Green Home Designs
Sustainable home designs seek to maximize the efficiency of the home while minimizing the environmental impact the home has. These designs typically use energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy resources, as well as materials with minimal environmental impact. Some of the features of sustainable home designs include efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and low-flow appliances. For the top 10 art deco house designs, many of the designs incorporate sustainable materials and features to make them both beautiful and eco-friendly.Sustainable Home Designs
Zero-waste home designs are designed to produce as little waste as possible. This type of design often uses materials with minimal environmental impact and features efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and low-flow appliances. Additionally, zero-waste homes often incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind turbines to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through the use of these features, a zero-waste home can reduce the impact it has on the environment.Zero Waste Home Designs
Zero-water home designs are designed to reduce the amount of water used in the home. This type of design often features low-flow plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, the use of xeriscaping and other drought-tolerant landscaping techniques can help reduce the amount of water consumed by the home. Zero-water home designs also often incorporate water-efficient technologies such as waterless urinals, low-flow toilets, and greywater systems.Zero-Water Home Designs
Low-impact home designs are designed to minimize the home's environmental impact and conserve natural resources. These designs typically use energy-efficiency features, renewable energy sources, and materials with minimal environmental impact. Some of the features of low-impact homes include solar power systems, efficient lighting, and water-saving fixtures. In addition, low-impact homes may incorporate some of the features of zero-energy, net-zero, and green house designs to accentuate their overall efficiency.Low-Impact Home Designs
Zero-impact designs are the most ambitious type of green home. These homes are designed to be entirely self-sufficient, producing as much energy as they consume and emitting no net carbon emissions. Unlike a zero-energy or net-zero home, a zero-impact home does not rely on any outside energy sources. Instead, the home is powered entirely by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. In addition, zero-impact homes often feature energy-efficient designs and materials with minimal environmental impact. While this type of design is expensive to construct, it can be an incredibly efficient and sustainable option for home owners.Zero-Impact Home Designs