OREANDA-NEWS. PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) announced today production of a zero net energy (ZNE) home prototype in Northern California, becoming the largest builder to participate in a pilot aimed at building new homes to achieve maximum energy efficiency and utility grid load reduction.

"The Pulte ZNE prototype will help guide and create best practices for the Company in building more energy efficient new homes in California and, ultimately, across the nation," said Ryan Marshall, president of PulteGroup. "Our goal for this prototype is to help define the most efficient path to building zero net energy homes that effectively balance constructability, cost and quality."

The Pulte ZNE home prototype embraces California's long-term zero net energy goals by leveraging advanced design, construction and on-site renewable energy solutions. The home's design combines airtight building methods, highly efficient insulation, HVAC, lighting technologies and more, with on-site solar energy production to offset the home's energy consumption. Pulte is participating in Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Zero Net Energy Production Builder Demonstration program that supports California's energy efficiency and climate goals for all new residential construction to be zero net energy by 2020.

"California is clearly leading the charge on zero net energy, and we believe this is an opportunity to harness the lessons learned with our building partners so we can offer consumers the ultimate combination of affordability, quality and energy efficiency in the future," Marshall said. "We are already developing plans for future zero net prototypes."

A ZNE home or building is one designed with the goal of producing as much energy as it uses during a year. To cope with fluctuations in demand, ZNE homes are typically connected to the grid, exporting electricity when there is a surplus, and drawing electricity when not enough is being produced. Construction of the prototype in Botanica by Pulte Homes in Brentwood is expected to be complete in May 2016. The energy performance of the home will be monitored for a year after it is sold, and overall energy performance and consumption will be evaluated. 

The ZNE project is a collaboration with many key partners, including solar power provider SolarCity, building materials producer Owens Corning, and heating/cooling systems provider, Lennox. "These companies are committed to offering the most innovative, renewable and affordable solutions that improve the lives of Pulte homebuyers and the world we live in," Marshall said.