Definitions

The terms, as shown below, have the following meaning when used in this Blog.

Embodied energy.  Energy related to the raw material extraction/mining, production, distribution, construction, and ultimate demolition of the house. Note: Embodied energy is not normally included in calculations of energy or carbon neutrality.

Net-zero.  A generic term used to refer to one or more combinations of the defined conservation terms in regards to a project.  For example, a zero net-energy house that is also a zero fossil fuel house may (for simplicity) be referred to as net-zero.

Net-Zero Ready House.  A house that is designed and built to meet the zero net-energy standard, but has not yet added its on-site renewable energy power source.

Solar Ready House.  A house that is ready, without additional modifications, to install solar panels and related electrical equipment.

Sustainable Design.  A house that is properly sited, oriented, sized, constructed, and easily modified such that it will most likely be functionally and structurally sound for 100+ years.

Zero net-energy cost house.  A house that has no annual net-operating energy costs.  [Note: A zero net-energy cost house and a zero net-energy house are not necessarily the same due to how your utility company credits your surplus power when connected to a net-meter.]

Zero carbon house.  A house that uses no fossil fuels to heat, cool, light or cook.  Embodied carbon is permitted (i.e. carbon used in the manufacturing or the construct processes and/or any carbon contained within the building materials).  Wood used as a fuel source is permitted, provided it is sustainably sourced from the owner’s land.  Ancillary use of carbon fuels is permitted (i.e. for cars, tractors, lawnmowers, etc.)

Zero net-energy house.  A house that on an annual basis uses no more operating power (measured on-site) than it produces (on-site) from renewable energy sources.  The house must be highly energy efficient (i.e. it cannot reach zero net-energy merely by combining an energy inefficient structure with a large renewable energy source).  For an all-electric house (such as THE HAYFIELD HOUSE), this energy metric can be easily determined from the house’s electric net-meter.

ZNE.  Zero net-energy.

THE HAYFIELD HOUSE. The actual house that was built by its owner, who is also the writer of this blog.