In the current residential New Construction world, is it possible to build a home that is so energy-efficient that it is completely self-sustaining? Apparently so, according to the three case studies found here on the energy.gov website.
The Utah home, newly constructed in July 2013, claims an average energy bill of $0 as opposed to $300-$400 for comparable homes in the same neighborhood. The home meets Energy Star 3 ratings and the requirements of EPA’s airPLUS certification.
In Colorado, New Town Builders announced a home so energy-efficient that with the addition of solar panels, it would actually generate as much power as it uses. They’re building 4,600 zero-energy and zero-energy ready homes in the planned community of Stapleton. They all meet strict criteria for insulation and air-tightness along with features to improve air quality and water conservation.
Completed in fall of 2012, the much awarded Greenwich, Connecticut zero-energy home was just the second in the country to earn U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home certification. Components such as PVC trim, argon-filled fiberglass windows, “cool roof” shingles, were used for efficiency while air quality is insured by passive radon removal and moisture barriers.
All these homes were built using readily available materials, and all are meant to be affordable.
There are several Arizona builders currently planning and constructing communities in the Phoenix area, with a focus on energy efficiency, air quality and water conservation, and green or sustainable features. You can create your own search for Arizona New Construction here 
or I’d be happy to assist you in finding exactly the right builder to meet your new home expectations.
We offer a discount on the purchase of new construction. For instance on a $200,000 newly built home we would return, on average, $1,500 to you at closing to help defray closing costs. Details can be found here.
As always, if there’s anything at all I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Bill Salvatore Realty Executives East Valley 602-999-0952 golfarizona@cox.net
If I were building a house. I’d have to check on this.
Me too! Sounds too good to be true but I’ve talked with a few energy conscious builders they’ve told me that it is nearly as affordable to “green” as not.