Cool Science

[Bo D]

Net-Zero Energy Computerized House

Net-Zero Energy Computerized House Generates as Much Energy as It Uses


In a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 12, 2012, the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) unveiled a new laboratory designed to demonstrate that a typical-looking suburban home for a family of four can generate as much energy as it uses in a year. Following an initial year-long experiment, the facility will be used to improve test methods for energy-efficient technologies and develop cost-effective design standards for energy-efficient homes that could reduce overall energy consumption and harmful pollution, and save families money on their monthly utility bills.
 
The unique facility looks and behaves like an actual house, and has been built to U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum standards — the highest standard for sustainable structures. The two-story, four-bedroom, three-bath Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility incorporates energy-efficient construction and appliances, as well as energy-generating technologies, such as solar water heating and solar photovoltaic systems.



http://www.scientificcomputing.com/news-DS-Net-Zero-Energy-Computerized-House-Generates-as-Much-Energy-as-It-Uses-091312.aspx?et_cid=2848639&et_rid=41373174&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.scientificcomputing.com%2fnews-DS-Net-Zero-Energy-Computerized-House-Generates-as-Much-Energy-as-It-Uses-091312.aspx

[libby]

It sounds great, so why is the thought of it a little scary to me?

[Anne]

Sounds way too good to be true.

[Locutus]

What's interesting is that the article doesn't state how much the net-zero setup would add to the initial cost of a new home when building.  Of course, that would probably be offset by the long-term savings on utility bills and such.  We need more ideas like this.  It's good to see that science is moving forward with testing real world applications that will combat climate change. 

[Bo D]

What's interesting is that the article doesn't state how much the net-zero setup would add to the initial cost of a new home when building.  Of course, that would probably be offset by the long-term savings on utility bills and such.  We need more ideas like this.  It's good to see that science is moving forward with testing real world applications that will combat climate change.

I'm sure it is very expensive. But, as with all technology, costs will come down and the technology will only get better. Remember what the first personal computers cost?

[The Troll]

I'm sure it is very expensive. But, as with all technology, costs will come down and the technology will only get better. Remember what the first personal computers cost?

  Yes Sir, very expensive.  I don't think there is anyone here on the Zone that can afford it.