Can we get builders to build homes that don't need much energy?

Question

I envision a future where homes are built with whichever sustainable energy option is right for it's particular area. We all know that going green with solar, wind, geothermal, sub-radient floors, tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, micro hydro, or whatever method is high dollar to ADD to a home. How about if the home came with a solar roof. You never had to pay for the conventional roof, or it's removal/alteration? The same goes for all the other energy items I mentioned. Not all are right for every area, but builders could determine which were right for an area, and build homes with these things in them. Wouldn't this drastically reduce the cost of any re-fit, or add-ons? Having subradient floors be the original floor installed would seriously reduce costs. Having a tankless water be installed vs. a conventional in the first place. Is anyone building homes which require little to no energy from electric & gas companies? Without seriously overinflating the cost?

Answer 1

Sure.  

To a certain extent, they're doing it now.  Building codes require energy conservation to some extent, and they can't sell houses without good insulation, windows, etc.

Going past that requires buyers to ask for it.  They'll build whatever the market desires.  Some builders sell special "green" homes, and custom builders will build whatever the buyer wants.

Answer 2

Yes, it is being done, but it costs.

Answer 3

Here's an example for a warm climate:  http://www.livinghomes.net/primer.html

Try Google for "green architecture" "green building" "sustainable architecture" and "alternative architecture". For prefab projects, try fabprefab.com. Consider green roofs, also.

Try architecture.com.

Look up "small houses".

Just because contractors won't do it, doesn't mean you can't. Look up "natural building" to see how people are using their own hands and ancient techniques to minimize impact and energy expenditure, increase quality of life, reduce building costs by orders of magnitude, and generally deal with the issue directly.

So glad you asked.

Answer 4

no we cant. because it costs alot more money than building houses the way they are today. and house prices are ridiculous enough!

Answer 5

Do you mean a house like the one my brother built in Colorado?  It is 100% energy self-sufficient with solar and wind generation and heating.  The walls are 18" thick and he was recently away for about a week and a half.  The indoor temperature had dropped to 62 degrees.

It cost more to build, but he will save the difference many times over in the coming years.  There is a significant price increase for building green.  But you get it back.

Answer 6

Right...let me just find a solar panel that cost as little as a shingle per square foot so we don't over-inflate the cost...solar panels last forever, right?

Answer 7

Not only can they be built, but they are already doing just that, for those that can afford it and those willing to invest in the initial cost.

  Take for instance, today they are, in some area's, insulating like never before, and using six inch outer walls instead of the conventional 2x4 construction, and packing with insulation and a vapor barrier, plus 12" insulation in the attic area.  Energy efficient windows and doors, high efficiency heating sources and same with energy saving electrical appliances.

  The cost of a solar roof, for the average home is in excess or $27K dollars, plus the necessary batteries to store that energy if using the 12v system.

  A lot of cities are fighting the attempt by builders and home owners to use windpower, claiming all sorts of reasons, like it kills birds that bump into them, and it ruins the looks of neigborhoods to name a few.

  Plus the solar panel roof is not forever, and quite costly to repair and replace, and theere have been some water problems, but hat will eventually work itself out.

  You do in fact have a very good question and point.  I would also like to see more metal studs, rafters and joists used, to save lumber and tree

Answer 8

That has already started in some places.

The problem is the initial building costs are quite high.