EEBA Academy

Many countries, including the US, are seeking ways to decrease current carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to respond to the concerns about global warming. Electrification of homes is a key strategy in transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels. LBNL recently completed a study that surveyed the deep retrofits of more than 1,500 homes across the US. The findings identify emerging trends in deep energy retrofit projects and we outline where changes are occurring most rapidly, such as electrification, decarbonization, advancing heat pump technologies, smart controls, and new program designs.

Net-zero energy and zero emission homes/buildings are being built ALL across the U.S., and yet so many buyers either don’t know this level of performance, including optimized comfort and minimized maintenance, is within their grasp. Our panelists on this episode are helping to dispel these misunderstandings.

• Installing HPWHs in new, all-electric homes.
• Why builders are installing and love HPWH.
• What are the benefits and challenges of installing HPWH in new homes? 
• Are builders modifying their home designs to fit and take advantage of HPWH?
• What are homeowners saying when they buy homes with HPWHs? 
• Any lessons that can be applied to installing HPWHs in existing homes?

The Ultimate Z.E.N. Home features a 7.8 kWh rooftop solar array as a standard feature to help achieve net-zero energy goals. But instead of selling surplus electricity back to the local utility as energy credits, an innovative battery storage system scaled for single-family keeps it on site.