Zero-Energy Homes are rapidly nearing cost parity with conventional dwellings, according to a new report released by Rocky Mountain Institute. Economics of Zero-Energy Homes: Single Family Insights investigated the cost of zero-energy homes and zero-energy ready homes (homes that are designed to achieve zero-energy levels of efficiency yet haven’t yet been installed with solar) and found that these sustainable dwellings are more cost-effective than often perceived by the public or portrayed in mainstream media.

The report’s main findings include:

1. Zero-Energy and Zero-Energy Ready Homes are already approaching cost parity. It suggests that with stricter baseline codes developers may be able to construct these homes at cost parity with conventional dwellings.
2. Consumers are increasingly prepared to pay higher upfront costs for zero-energy homes as they recognise that these energy-efficient homes deliver measurable cost savings over the long-term.
3. Depending on which climate zone zero-energy houses are located, cutting-edge envelope and HVAC solutions are not always necessary for delivering results – therefore enabling consumers to achieve zero-energy efficiency levels with a significantly lower cost premium.
4. The cost of zero-energy homes will continue to decline over the next decade

Alongside these findings, the report also provides homebuilders and policymakers with guidance on how to bring zero-energy homes and zero-energy ready homes to market.

More information here