University students open doors to incredible net-zero energy model home: ‘This house is not a science experiment’
University students open doors to incredible net-zero energy model home: 'This house is not a science experiment' The Cool Down
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A Ground-Breaking Net-Zero Energy House in Wyoming
A ground-breaking, net-zero energy house in Wyoming is helping to change the way builders and homeowners think about eco-friendly construction designs.
University of Wyoming Students Lead the Way
As Cowboy State Daily detailed, a group of students at the University of Wyoming teamed up with faculty advisors Tony Denzer and John Gardzelewski to make the zero-energy home a reality.
Design and Construction
After researching energy-efficient homes throughout Wyoming, the research group designed and constructed the net-zero energy home, which is listed for $1.1 million.
The Concept of Net-Zero Energy Homes
Homes that are net-zero energy do not rely on a traditional power grid to function. Instead, the homes produce enough renewable energy to cover the home’s total power usage, making the house carbon-free and providing homeowners with low or zero energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Features
- Efficient insulation and smart energy
- Solar panels and heat pump
- Strategic window placement for better warmth
Costs and Benefits
In terms of up-front costs, the energy-efficient designs add about 10% extra to the home’s construction. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs. According to Denzer and Gardzelewski, after seven to eight years, the additional expenses are paid off in energy savings, and the energy produced for the home is free.
A Feasible Solution for Ordinary Homebuilders
“This house is not a science experiment,” Denzer told Cowboy State Daily. “We didn’t invent anything, and that was on purpose. The philosophy was that we want to demonstrate this is feasible for ordinary Wyoming homebuilders.”
Recognition and Environmental Impact
The design of the Wyoming home was recognized as the second-best net-zero home in the U.S. and the fourth-best in the world in the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual Decathlon. Net-zero energy homes do not emit any harmful gases into the atmosphere, making them carbon-free. By utilizing renewable energy, additional insulation, and smart technology, net-zero energy homes encourage the use of sustainable resources and reduce homeowners’ energy bills down the road.
Student Perspectives
After seeing their design come to life, students at the University of Wyoming discussed their favorite details about the home.
- Travis Wicks, one of the students who helped design the home, mentioned that his favorite feature was the radiant floor heating.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
- Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
Analysis
The article discusses a net-zero energy house in Wyoming that is designed to be energy-efficient and cost nothing to power. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This SDG is directly addressed in the article as the net-zero energy house does not rely on a traditional power grid and produces enough renewable energy to cover its total power usage. This aligns with the target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This SDG is connected to the article as the net-zero energy house promotes sustainable urbanization and sustainable human settlement planning. The design of the house encourages the use of sustainable resources and reduces homeowners’ energy bills, contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanization. The target of enhancing sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management is relevant here.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
This SDG is relevant to the article as the net-zero energy house is carbon-free and does not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere. By utilizing renewable energy and reducing energy consumption, the house contributes to climate action. The target of integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning is addressed here.
The specific targets and indicators identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
- Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
- Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries | Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: thecooldown.com
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