A zero-energy home, also known as a zero net energy (ZNE) home, net zero home or zero-carbon home is a home with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the home on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the property.  These home consequently contribute less overall greenhouse gas to the atmosphere than similar non-ZNE homes. They do at times consume non-renewable energy and produce greenhouse gases, but at other times reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas production elsewhere by the same amount.

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These homes provide a thermally sealed envelope reducing energy bills as much as 80%, in a Net-Zero Ready Home and reducing energy bills to as little as nothing in a Net-Zero Home. A Net-Zero Ready Home is the same as a Net-Zero Home without the solar panels installed. All ATB's homes come pre-wired for solar panels.  Compared to traditional homes, our Net-Zero homes are superior structures resistant to tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, forest fires and termites, while delivering lower overall operational cost and lower frequency of maintenance.

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ATB's net-zero and net-zero homes are all certifiable with the U.S. Department of Energy of which ATB is a Partner.  Each U.S. Department of Energy certified ATB home comes with a certificate of authenticity and unique vin# assigned by the U.S. Department of Energy to that home.  This certification, increases the resale value of the home to monetize  the energy and health investments. 

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Net-Zero construction typically adds 5-10% to the cost of a traditionally built home.  Many owners find that the slight rise in a monthly mortgage payment is more than offset by the decrease in monthly energy bills.  The net result is a total monthly expense that's about the same for a better built, higher- performing, longer lasting, more comfortable, quiet and healthier home.  

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Freddie Mac recently published Energy Efficiency: Value Added to Properties and Loan Performance. The study compared conventional homes to those that had received energy efficiency ratings, such as a HERS Index, and reaches these conclusions:

• From the property value analysis, rated homes are sold for, on average, 2.7% more than comparable unrated homes.

• Better-rated homes are sold for 3-5% more than lesser-rated homes.