Greening Austin Daily

Zero Energy Suburbs

23rd July, 2010 - Posted by carsi - No Comments

Paul Robbins, creator of the Austin Environmental Directory and local environmental activist, discussed on KUT this morning the possibility of zero energy suburbs. The idea is to create energy efficient houses that would use up a net of zero energy. Robbins says that by using newer, efficient appliances, good insulation, CFL light bulbs, and  solar rooftop panels and water heating, it’s possible to have a net zero energy home. He also states that it would be about $500 more per month for an average family to reach this goal, including energy efficient changes to the family cars. He says this is feasible for some of the population at this time, but as solar energy and electric vehicles become cheaper in the future, net zero homes will become more and more attainable.

photo credit