Industry Leader Interview: Melissa Wahl, Co-Developer of Michigan’s Net-Zero Energy Home

Michigan just got its first net-zero energy home. Dubbed the Vision Zero Home, it produces about as much energy as it consumes with energy-efficient construction and renewable energy technology.

The Dow Chemical Company and Michigan-based developer Cobblestone Homes unveiled Vision Zero in May 2010 to serve as a model for homeowners and builders in harsh northern climates to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and sustainability. Vision Zero, which stands in Bay City, Mich., is truly a model home: Its annual energy costs are expected to be below zero, with annual savings of $3,507 and 44,855 lbs of CO2.

In this Industry Leader Interview, the Alliance speaks with Melissa Wahl, who co-designed Vision Zero and co-owns Cobblestone with her husband, Mark.

Alliance: Who lives in the Vision Zero Home?

Melissa Wahl: The home was designed for the energy consumption of a typical family of four with all of the amenities that we in mainstream society have grown to love: flat screen TVs, computers and modern appliances. At the same time, the home was designed to educate people about energy efficiency, so it remains unoccupied to serve as a living, building-science museum.

It will be an exhibition-type home for a minimum of a year. We will then review if the home has fulfilled its educational purpose and decide if it will go on the market.

Alliance: The home uses significantly less energy than a conventional home. How much of these savings are due to energy efficiency?

Melissa Wahl: The largest contributor to the Vision Zero Home's performance is without a doubt air sealing and insulation. We want visitors to understand that though renewable energies are fantastic, the best way to increase efficiency is to focus on air sealing and insulation first.

Alliance: Is more maintenance required for a net-zero home compared with a regular home?

Melissa Wahl: We believe in making energy efficiency more automatic in our homes. We were very selective in choosing the mechanicals, lighting and appliances so that potential homeowners won't have to monitor every bit of energy they use — unless they want to. For instance, the home has a Greenswitch that cuts down on phantom power consumption (energy wasted even when appliances and systems are turned off).

Alliance: What is the most common reaction that visitors give?

Melissa Wahl: Visitors say they could easily live there and that they like learning about energy efficiency, indoor air quality and moisture management. Some visitors even said that, if they purchased the home, they would keep the wall cutouts that showcase air sealing and insulation for their visitors to see.

Children jump right in and interact with the touch-screen TVs, touch the functioning insulation demonstration box, learn to read the wattage of a light bulb, and usually leave asking their parents or grandparents if they can buy the home.

Alliance: Which of the energy efficiency technologies in Vision Zero are readily accessible to people living in conventional homes?

Melissa Wahl: Insulation and air sealing, when installed properly, without a doubt are available and provide a great return on investment.

The high efficiency windows, the geothermal system, and solar panels that we use are commercially available as well. The home also features some materials and products, like Dow Chemical's Powerhouse Shingles, that are not yet commercially available but will be soon.

Alliance: Are there plans to make another net-zero home in Michigan?

Melissa Wahl: One thing about Michigan is that there is an abundance of intellectual property. This home won't be the last net-zero home in Michigan.

Alliance: How can people learn more about your net-zero home?

Melissa Wahl: We invite anyone who would like a tour of the home to come visit us in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan for an in-person visit, or visit us online at www.visionzerohome.com.