High Performance vs. Net Zero?

I had an interesting conversation with a prospective client the other day, during which they said “Net-zero is a lot less specific than high-performance. If you add enough solar panels to any home, you can make it net-zero.” I agreed and added that you can also make any home net-zero with no solar panels at all – simply disconnect the energy supply!

What’s common to both scenarios (besides net-zero energy use) is that there’s no assurance of comfort, indoor air quality, quiet, resiliency, water efficiency, low environmental impact, fire-hardening, or any of the other benefits we bring to our high-performance home designs.
The foundation of a high-performance home is not low energy use; it’s outstanding livability without the need for much energy. Low or net-zero energy is the happy, and crucial, result.

It’s not that typical homes are designed to be low performing energy hogs on purpose, they’re just not intentionally designed to be high performing. Excellent performance doesn’t happen by accident – it requires expertise, experience, and commitment. What’s more, with good design, the additional investment to attain these benefits is minimal.

 Does this resonate with you? Do you want to create an outstanding new home or upgrade the home you have? Schedule a conversation with me here.