In 2016, Pulte® became the largest homebuilder to take on a pilot program and build houses that surpassed traditional energy-saving measures, breaking ground with a prototype for net zero homes. The hope for this prototype was to pave the way for a future of maximizing energy efficiency and utility grid load reduction, a necessity in a world connected to the energy network. Here’s a look at the beginnings of our Zero Net Energy journey and what that means for future homebuyers.

Summary:

• What Is a Zero Net Energy Home?
• Why Build Zero Net Energy Houses?
• The Future of Zero Net Energy
• Conclusion

What Is a Zero Net Energy Home?

Our Zero Net Energy (ZNE) home was a prototype made to thrive alongside California’s long-term energy goals, with the goal of ultimately extending these standards nationwide. 

ZNE home construction combines many net zero energy building methods, highly efficient insulation, HVAC, lighting technologies, and more with on-site solar energy production, helping offset the home's energy consumption. 

Net zero energy homes are also commonly grid-connected to accommodate various energy needs, allowing them to export excess electricity during surplus periods and draw power from the grid when renewable production falls short. 

Our net zero energy house prototype incorporated numerous energy-saving elements, including: 

• Roofline insulation
• Solar panels
• Energy-efficient windows
• Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats
• Exterior wall insulation
• Low-flow toilets and fixtures
• Low-VOC paint and tile
• High-end air filtration and mechanical ventilation
• LED lighting
• Tankless hot water heater
• Induction cooktops 

Building a net zero house prototype helped establish and refine best practices for Pulte in constructing increasingly energy-efficient new homes.

Why Build Zero Net Energy Houses?

The objective of building this prototype was to develop the most streamlined approach to constructing ZNE homes that maintained a balance between feasible construction, affordability, and superior quality.

One critical goal of net zero home construction is to have the house generate as much energy as it consumes each year. Working with solar power providers, building materials producer Owens Corning®, and heating/cooling systems supplier Lennox®, we hope to produce innovative, renewable, and affordable net zero homes like this prototype for homebuyers nationwide.

The Future of Zero Net Energy

Since California is on the leading edge of energy change, that's where our initial efforts to make a successful prototype originated. The state presented an invaluable opportunity for us to collaborate with other building companies, leveraging the insights gained to produce homes that blend affordability, quality, and energy efficiency for consumers.

As Pulte continues to optimize Zero Net Energy homes, we strive to be a more energy-efficient homebuilder in constructing the homes of tomorrow. While not all homes can deliver Zero Net Energy, Pulte offers several energy-saving advantages with our new construction homes and hopes to lower energy costs for our homeowners. 

As for the future, plans for further net zero house prototypes and other energy-efficient improvements are already in the works. In the meantime, you can check out more of the latest advances from Pulte in homebuilding and design: 

• Smart homes: How you can take advantage of our collection of smart home features
   
• Innovation Way: Our showcase for the latest in energy efficiency and smart home technology
   
• Innovative home designs: How our homes help you get more out of life

Conclusion

In a world where going green is the path to greater sustainability, we at Pulte are proud to contribute to innovations in energy-efficient home construction. Through our Zero Net Energy prototype efforts, we're building more than houses; we're building a new way of living.

Explore new construction homes from Pulte today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Orange County-Based Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 9/25/24