A home builder in the west valley of the Phoenix area is building what they call ‘net zero energy’ houses. They are doing this by building typical houses you see in Phoenix, but by adding more insulation, energy efficient appliances, and installing solar panels on all the homes. The builder claims the occupants shouldn’t see energy bills above $20 a month. This seems like a good step in the right direction and these features should be very desirable to home buyers especially in the summer. Here’s an article about this builder in the Arizona Republic.
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James Towner | Posted in 
April 14th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I’m a freelance writer out of Steamboat Springs and one of the focuses of my articles is green housing. It’s so exciting to see how many people are implementing energy saving strategies into their homes. Whether you are in Phoenix or Timbuktoo, there are so many little steps any one can take. If you’re building a new home, why not do it by incorporating cement walls, solar panels, energy efficient appliances?
Dagny McKinley
http://www.onnotextiles.com
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April 14th, 2008 at 6:51 am
If I was on the market for a house now solar panels, energy efficient appliances, and really good insulation would be a huge selling point. I know a lot of people are just looking at the upfront cost of a house, but they should think more long term.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:54 am
I really like that they are targeting the tribes and low-income families for these more efficient homes first. It seems like that is the best place to start to get this type of initiative in place in a wide-spread way and make lower cost energy and environmental awareness accessible. There does seem to currently be a disconnect in understanding and implementation for anything “green” that it is some how elitist or expensive when really the idea is to be less wasteful and ultimately cost less – both out of pocket and to the planet. I hope his ideas catch on and we see more builders incorporating greater efficiency and solar power into their homes.