{"id":2574,"date":"2021-08-09T14:30:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T18:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scaranoarchitect.com\/old\/?p=2574"},"modified":"2022-11-08T04:02:34","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T09:02:34","slug":"carbon-negative-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scaranoarchitect.com\/old\/carbon-negative-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"Carbon Negative Homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the world’s carbon\u00a0Negative Homes facing an unprecedented<\/a> climate crisis, many of us wonder what we can do as individuals <\/span>to reduce our carbon footprint. Ideally, we would like to make our homes \u201cnet zero\u201d energy. This means our homes will be able to produce as much energy as they consume! A zero-carbon house is one that does not increase the amount of carbon dioxide (CO<\/span>2<\/span>) in the atmosphere (net carbon emissions over the course of a year).<\/span><\/p>\n

This is achieved using solar panels, heat pumps, a super-tight barrier between the inside and outside, above-code insulation, energy-efficient windows, lighting, and appliances.\u00a0 New homes can be built to such specifications but is it possible to renovate existing homes too? According to World Green Building Council <\/span>(WorldGBC),<\/span><\/a> a network of national green building councils in 70 countries worldwide, renovation reduces the need for new building materials which require energy to produce, transport, and install.<\/span><\/p>\n

By adding upgrades to the exterior elements of your home, such as windows and insulation, you can affordably move toward net-zero energy. How your utility company produces electricity is a big factor in achieving net-zero in a renovation.\u00a0 You can switch from gas to electric and install a cold climate air-source heat pump to heat and cool your home. In a region where electricity comes from fossil fuels achieving net-zero energy looks quite different and can be more challenging. <\/span>\u00a0Setting an eventual goal for a net-zero [energy renovation] is to disconnect from fossil fuels altogether and self-generated renewable energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

What exactly causes carbon emissions?<\/span><\/p>\n