Building is underway on Western Washington’s first zero energy house. The Zero Energy Idea House, which is located in Bellevue, aims to achieve a net zero energy consumption by utilizing the most cutting-edge green building technologies in the industry. The house will be completed in early 2009 and will serve as a demonstration home for builders and consumers to see how efficient and stylish green building can be.

Located at Bass Cove on Lake Sammamish, along the West Lake Sammamish Parkway, the Zero Energy Idea House will combine innovative green building products and technologies with inspiring and modern design elements. The Zero Energy House is endorsed by Built Green™, ENERGY STAR® Homes, and the US Dept. of Energy’s Building America program.

In order to achieve net zero energy consumption, the home will generate its own power by use of photo voltaic panels and a wind turbine. The home will also be equipped with an energy monitor that measures and displays energy input and output in real-time.

Specs:

- 1630 square feet of living space
- 2 BR, 2 BA

Features:

- Warmboard radiant heat subfloor
- 1200 square feet of vegetative roof
- photovoltaic solar power generation
- solar hot water
- wind power generation
- SIPs (structural insulated panels)
- non-toxic materials and finishes
- rainwater harvesting system
- vegetated “living wall” privacy screen
- energy efficient windows

The Warmboard hydronic in-floor radiant heating system is described by Mike Lubliner of Washington State University Extension’s Energy Program as the most efficient heating system available. Lubliner’s office manages the Northwest ENERGY STAR® Homes program as well as the US Dept. of Energy’s Building American program, which has adopted the project as a case study.

Computer modeling by Lubliner’s team estimates the home’s total energy bills will come in at less than $500 a year. The WSU specialists will conduct a series of tests to see how well the home performs and will also install a monitoring system to provide real-time reports on energy use.

For more information and updates: http://www.zeroenergyideahouse.com/