Zero Net Energy Homes
Fueling Our Energy Future
Natural gas plays a vital role in fueling our low carbon energy future. A dual-fuel 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 powered ZNE demonstration homes that will have significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, provides for affordable energy bills, and partners with renewables for reliable energy during any weather situations.
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 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, 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 econonic 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.
How do these ZNE homes showcase a low carbon energy mix?
These sustainably built and energy-efficiency homes reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using a balanced energy approach. Each ZNE home includes a rooftop photovoltaic solar system and high-efficiency natural gas appliances, top-rated insulation and windows, and other advanced weatherization features.
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 deserving 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 Energy Factor 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 isa hard-working single mother who is raising her four children that includes 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
Click here for a direct link to the 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 deserving 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 -15
- 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-32 attic insulation; R-24 wall insulation
- U-value .32, SHGC .20 windows
- 7.2 kWh of solar photovoltaic panels
What are the Expected Energy Bills?
The estimated utility bill for this ZNE home is less than $75 per month for natural gas and electric.
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 requirehelp 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, and Valspar.
Fueling Our Energy Future: Door Raising Ceremony
September 18, 2021
Additional Materials
Taylor, TX ZNE Habitat Build FAQ
Atmos Energy and Williamson County Habitat for Humanity ZNE Home Press Release