Building Zero Energy Homes: Deploying Policy & Climate Tech for a Greener Future
Username
Isabella Sarlo
Proposer First Name
Isabella
Proposer Email
aeroseal@antennagroup.com
Proposer Last Name
Sarlo
Proposed Session Description
This session explores the critical role of partnerships among builders, climate tech innovators, and policymakers in reducing energy emissions in homes. Panelists will discuss Beazer Homes’ commitment to achieving 100% DOE-recognized Zero Energy Ready Homes by 2025 and how it’s using pioneering climate tech to support this goal. Attendees will gain insights from case studies on how to best navigate incentives, overcome common obstacles, and foster meaningful partnerships for a greener future.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
We recognize that the effects of climate change disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, often exacerbating existing inequalities due to heightened exposure to extreme temperatures, poor indoor air quality, and the rising costs of energy. By accelerating the adoption of Zero Energy Ready Homes, partnerships like those between Beazer Homes and Aeroseal are not only advancing energy efficiency but are also working to provide sustainable, healthier, and more affordable housing solutions to a broader audience.
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced technologies — such as air-sealing, diverse solar solutions, smart thermostats and other smart home devices, and more — to achieve the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home standards in residential building projects.
Evaluate strong financing options and incentives, such as those included in the Inflation Reduction Act, to support homebuilders’ adoption of technology, materials, and other solutions that support the delivery of Zero Energy Ready Homes.
Identify opportunities and strategies to foster impactful partnerships between homebuilders, climate tech innovators, and policymakers that support the establishment of programs that promote the adoption of clean technologies and energy efficiency best practices.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Recommended Length
90-minute session
Presenters
Full Description
Buildings account for nearly 40% of global emissions, and in the U.S., residential energy consumption is responsible for over 20% of total energy use and 15% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Achieving scalable, decarbonized housing requires cross-sector collaboration between homebuilders, climate tech innovators, and policymakers.
To address this urgent need, the Department of Energy (DOE) has created the Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program, which aims to foster the delivery of new homes that are so efficient they offset most or all of their annual energy use. Each ZERH-certified home meets stringent efficiency standards, surpassing those of ENERGY STAR requirements in critical and often overlooked areas like air sealing.
This session will explore how Beazer Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, is leveraging pioneering and proven tech solutions to ensure 100% of its new builds are certified to ZERH standards by 2025. Central to Beazer’s initiative is the ability to meet and exceed building codes, reduce emissions, and deliver enhanced comfort through improved indoor air quality for residents — all in a cost-effective manner.
The talk will also touch on how policymakers, including the DOE, have an essential role in establishing and advancing programs like ZERH, while also supporting climate tech innovation through research, funding, and more. The discussion will provide actionable insight through case studies like the Holly Farms community — a private 19-unit, fully ZERH-certified community — to illustrate how partnerships among builders, climate tech leaders, and policymakers are already making zero-energy housing attainable for more Americans.
Panelists will cover practical strategies to leverage incentives, such as those established within the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), overcome common challenges, and foster diverse partnerships to support a more efficient housing supply.