Net-zero energy homes to be built in Santa Monica

Due to commence in 2017, Santa Monica will be providing single-family homes for residents in the area, with the aim of retaining ZNE status within the Green Building Standards Code. A net-zero energy building will ensure the amount of energy consumed on site will equal as the amount of renewable energy created, reducing the level of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, with a number of sustainable features embedded into each property.

Mayor Tony Vazquez of Santa Monica City Council, said: “Santa Monica is proud to take a global lead in zero net energy building standards that put the State’s environmental policy to action. The council's adoption of this new ordinance reflects our city's continued commitment to the environment.”

“ZNE construction, considered the gold standard for green buildings, is a major component that will help us reach our ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Net-zero energy homes will provide a number of long-term advantages, reducing the increase of future energy prices and overall living costs. The construction industry has been experimenting with net-zero energy homes since the mid 2000s, such as Canada’s first net-zero energy building, the EcoTerra House, and the Pearl River Tower in China, a zero-energy office build completed by  Shanghai Construction Group and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in 2011,incorporating 71 storeys.

Significant research and development is now underway within sustainability and net-zero energy homes worldwide in the combat of reduced CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases.

Susan Munves, Solar Santa Monica, said,  “it’s really important that cities invest in energy efficiency.” Solar Santa Monica is a city funded programme that helps promote and simplify the use of solar technology within the area, where the city is aspiring to become a net-zero energy region by 2020.

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