Zero Net Energy Homes
Fueling Our Energy Future
Natural gas plays a vital role in fueling our low carbon energy future. A balanced energy approach with natural gas achieves an affordable, reliable, and sustainable home that meets green building standards and certifications, including Zero Net Energy (ZNE). Atmos Energy is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build natural gas ZNE homes that will have significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, provides for affordable energy bills, and partners with renewables for reliable energy that homeowners can count on.
What is a ZNE home?
A ZNE home produces as much energy as it consumes within a year, which results in net zero energy consumption and a carbon neutral home. This is achieved by installing high efficiency natural gas heating, water heating, incorporating building envelope efficiency, and installing solar technology to make the home extremely efficient and environmentally responsible.
Why is Atmos Energy doing this?
These ZNE homes demonstrate that natural gas is a part of the solution to achieve our low carbon energy future. Consumers and builders can maintain their right to energy choice while having an energy efficient, affordable, and low carbon footprint home.
Not only are ZNE homes beneficial to the environment but they also showcase Atmos Energy’s commitment to providing affordable energy to our communities. Affordable energy is critical to affordable housing. We are committed to fueling safe and thriving communities where we serve. It’s important for the growth and economic development of communities to have access to affordable, reliable, and safe energy.
What are the estimated bills for these homes?
Each home slightly varies based on a variety of factors, such as size, number of occupants, and location. The average, estimated monthly energy bill, for gas and electric combined, range from $50-75.
For more information about building a ZNE home with natural gas, send us an email at atmos.marketing@atmosenergy.com.
Expand the sections below to learn more about our ZNE home demonstration builds.
Atmos Energy is partnering with Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity and the Schlessman Family Foundation to build a ZNE demonstration home in Evans, Colorado. This house will provide a family with an energy-efficient and comfortable home that leverages natural gas and renewable energy that meet Colorado's climate goals while lowering utility bills.
About the Home
- HERS Score = 0
- 1,508 square feet
- 5 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 95 AFUE natural gas furnace
- .97 EF tankless natural gas water heater
- 13 SEER air conditioning system
- R-53 attic insulation; R-34 wall insulation
- U-value .25, SHGC .23 windows
- 7 kW of solar photovoltaic panels
What are the Expected Energy Bills?
The estimated utility bill for this ZNE home is $50 per month for natural gas and electric.
About the Family
Frankie Rodriguez is a hard-working single mother who is raising her four children that including her adult son with special needs and one grandchild. She has been renting an apartment for 30 years and considers this home to be a dream come true. Frankie also looks forward to contributing to the construction of their home, which provides a sense of accomplishment and creates an additional connection to the home.
Partners
Atmos Energy, Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity, Schlessman Family Foundation, Rinnai, Namasté Solar, and Energy Logic.
Fueling Our Energy Future: Home Build Teaser Video
Additional Materials
Atmos Energy is partnering with the Williamson County Habitat for Humanity to build a ZNE demonstration home in Taylor, Texas. This house will provide a family with an energy-efficient and comfortable home that leverages natural gas and renewable energy that meet low carbon energy goals while lowering utility bills.
About the Home
- HERS Score -14
- 1,277 square feet
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 92 AFUE natural gas furnace
- .82 EF tankless natural gas water heater
- 16 SEER air conditioning system
- R-42 attic insulation; R-21 wall insulation
- U-value .32, SHGC .20 windows
- 7.2 kW of solar photovoltaic panels
What are the Expected Energy Bills?
The estimated utility bills for this ZNE home are approximately $50 per month for natural gas and electricity.
About the Family
Ashley, a single working mother, has aspired to own a home for many years. However, continued health problems that began during her pregnancy caused that dream to be put on hold. Since 2018, she has endured 2 open heart surgeries and life-threatening complications that continue to this day which require help from her family to care for her 3-year-old daughter. This Habitat home will provide Ashley and her family security and comfort as she manages her health issues.
Partners
Atmos Energy, Williamson County Habitat for Humanity, City of Taylor, Rinnai, DFD Architects Inc, Yale Locks & Hardware, Whirlpool, Kidd Roofing, and Valspar.
Door Raising Ceremony
September 18, 2021
Home Dedication
April 25, 2022
Additional Materials
Taylor, TX ZNE Habitat Build FAQ
Atmos Energy and Williamson County Habitat for Humanity ZNE Home Press Release
Atmos Energy And Habitat For Humanity Of Williamson County To Unveil “Zero Net Energy” Home
Atmos Energy is partnering with the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to build a ZNE demonstration home. This house will provide a family with an energy-efficient and comfortable home that leverages natural gas and renewable energy that meet low carbon energy goals while lowering utility bills.
About the Home
- Anticipated HERS Score: 0
- 1,400 square feet
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- High-efficiency natural gas furnace
- High-efficiency tankless natural gas water heater
- High-efficiency SEER air conditioning system
- R-46 attic insulation; R-19 wall insulation
- U-value .35, SHGC .27 windows
- 6.8 kW of solar photovoltaic panels
What are the Expected Energy Bills?
The estimated utility bills for this ZNE home are expected to be approximately $75 per month for natural gas and electricity.
Partners
Atmos Energy, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, GGO Architects, Energy IQ, and Texas Solar Systems Sales, LLC
Home Building Kick-off Ceremony
April 8, 2022
Atmos Energy is partnering with the Mississippi Capital Area Habitat for Humanity to build a ZNE demonstration home in Jackson, MS. This house will provide a family with an energy-efficient and comfortable home that leverages natural gas and renewable energy that meet low carbon energy goals while lowering utility bills.
About the Home
- 1,200 square feet
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- High-efficiency natural gas furnace
- High-efficiency natural gas tankless water heater
- High-efficiency SEER air conditioning system
- R-38 attic insulation; R-23 wall insulation
- U-value .29, SHGC .21 windows
- 6.8 kW solar photovoltaic system
What are the expected energy bills?
The preliminary energy report for the design of this ZNE home estimates the average monthly combined energy bills for gas and electric will be between $60-$75 per month.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
April 28, 2022
Additional Materials