Net-Zero Home Kits Available From Acre

For those ready to build a net-zero home, Acre, might be a good place to start looking.

The Acre website states this company addresses architecture and construction from an entirely new perspective.

In terms of a net-zero design approach to building there are presently only 14,000 net-zero homes across the entire United States, atelier.net reports.

Defining Net Zero

As defined by Wikipedia, “A zero-energy building, also known as a zero net energy (ZNE) building, net-zero energy building (NZEB), or net zero building, is a building with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.  These buildings still produce greenhouse gases because on cloudy (or non-windy) days, at night when the sun isn’t shining, and on short winter days, conventional grid power is still the main energy source. Because of this, most zero net energy buildings still get half or more of their energy from the grid.”

Since Acre has not yet provided a storage system for its home kits, it is perhaps more accurate to report about this company as an environmentally responsible company which uses solar electricity while targeting energy efficiency a much as possible.

On the positive side of the green building equation, Professional Builder reports Acre has designed a more efficient and environmentally friendly building process and end product for these reasons:

• Houses consume 90% less energy than traditional houses
• Homes consume around 70% less water than traditional houses
• Design process use sustainable materials to create healthy environments inside
• Construction methodology keeps waste to a minimum

Acre house components are packed in one shipping container prior to being sent to the building site. The homebuilder can then assemble the home.

Right now, the price range for these homes runs from $400,000 to $500,000, although the company indicates it is now planning to reach a wider market with more affordable designs.