Texas and Oklahoma are home to several zero energy projects. Many SPEER members are involved in efforts to build super-efficient homes with on-site generation that have an energy bill at or near zero. These homes are not only efficient, they’re supremely comfortable, sell faster, and command higher prices.
SPEER is launching an initiative to understand just how many zero energy homes and buildings exist or are currently under construction. We know of some, like the development in San Antonio using Dow’s Powerhouse solar shingles, or the one in Houston where the Department of Energy will hold a free workshop on zero energy homes this Tuesday (click the link or see below for more info). We know of one zero energy school in the region, the Lady Bird Johnson Middle School in Irving, Texas.
But we’d like to know about more. Please send information about any zero energy, or very near zero energy, homes, buildings, and/or developments you know about to info-at-eepartnership.org. We’d like to help publicize these projects, and the products, technologies, and builders who are making them a reality so we’ve started a map with links to information about these innovative projects in Texas and Oklahoma. We’re also starting a discussion on LinkedIn about zero energy buildings, including topics about how to promote them and what qualifies as truly zero energy. Please join the discussion here.
Information and registration link to the free Houston workshop next Tuesday, June 18, is below. And look for information very soon about zero energy workshops in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio this fall.
http://doechallengehometraining.eventbrite.com/
Join Sam Rashkin, chief architect of the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, in a workshop designed to give you the knowledge to build homes 40 to 50 percent more efficient than a typical home.
The program will provide a comprehensive review of the DOE Challenge Home program, including the business case for zero net-energy ready homes, detailed construction specifications and opportunities to be recognized as an industry leader.
Parking for this event is available in University of Houston’s lot 16B, conveniently located near the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture. Free University of Houston parking tags will be provided to registered attendees on the day of the event. Be sure to bring along your printed registration form and present it to the HOUZE parking attendant in lot 16B to receive your tag.
On-site check-in/registration and welcome reception will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the seminar will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy some coffee and networking time.
Don’t miss this rare chance to gain direct access to the DOE and one of the founders of the Energy Star for Homes program. RSVP now.