Zero Energy Homes: Updates and Cost-Effective Approaches

Join Earth Advantage and BetterBuiltNW for this 1-hour training and gain valuable info on the latest developments and construction approaches to Zero Energy (ZE) & Zero Energy Ready (ZER) construction in the NW region. This course was initially delivered live by Ryan Shanahan, previously the Zero Energy Certification Manager with Earth Advantage and presently the Zero Energy Retrofits Manager at Birdsmouth Design-Build.

Zero Energy can be defined as:    

A home that generates as much energy on site as it uses over the course of a year, making it essentially require zero energy.    

A rapidly increasing number of architects and builders in Oregon & Washington are ahead of the curve and building homes to Zero Energy (ZE) and Zero Energy Ready (ZER) standards, and have been doing so for many years. The question is, how can this be achieved cost effectively?

Advanced heat pump technology, lighting, and solar PV options are challenging the old zero energy paradigm of investments in air sealing, insulation, and expensive window upgrades. This new development has fundamentally changed the way builders and homeowners design and construct zero energy homes, making the potential for widespread adoption within reach. Help educate your clients on what will really help them save energy versus what might drive the cost of construction out of reach.

Attendees of this class will benefit from learning about:  

• How to achieve ZE & ZER construction using the most cost-effective approaches available
• Spotlights on spec builders who are achieving ZE & ZER in today’s market
• Different interpretations of ZE & ZER
• Primary ZE & ZER certifications programs available in the region
• Additional training opportunities on advanced home design and construction

Join us for this training as we discuss what it takes to achieve ZE & ZER, the homeowner benefits it provides, and how professionals are achieving this standard across the Northwest.

Course Completion Instructions

This on-demand training consists of a series of 5-10 minute videos that users can start or stop at their own pace and easily resume the course at another time.  There are no quizzes or final exams. A certificate awarding CCB continuing education will be issued when the course is completed.

About The Instructor

Ryan Shanahan is the Zero Energy Retrofits Manager for Birdsmouth Design-Build and the host of The Retrofit Podcast powered by Green Building Advisor. He is a passionate advocate for energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and low carbon lifestyles. He worked in the new construction field for 13 years as a Green Building Consultant for Earth Advantage. He is a Certified Passive House Consultant, and was the PHIUS+ Rater for many Passive House firsts in Oregon. Ryan holds a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College.