For Sale: 720 Eastern

Short answer is, “The Building produces as much energy as it uses.”

More nuance gets into various definitions:

• ZEB = Zero Energy Building (annual building energy use <= annual on-site renewable energy production)
• NZE = Net Zero Energy (same as ZEB, can differentiate on-site vs off-site renewable energy)
  • MiNet0-1 is NZE with on-site PV. It will become greener yet when the grid is powered by 100% renewables.
• NPE = Net Positive Energy (annual building energy use < annual on-site renewable energy production).
  • MiNet0-1 is NPE enough power for the EVs.
    iv. Carbon Neutral (the building is not responsible for carbon emissions due to its operations). MiNet0-1 meets this.
• “Net Zero” refers to the idea that on an annual basis, energy use is zero. A stricter standard would be to design buildings for 24/7/365 zero carbon energy use.
  • On-site batteries enable MiNet0-1 to be net zero 24/7 for much of the year, but 365 is currently not practical because of low solar production in the December-February time frame.
  • We need the grid yet to power these low production months, and to enable us to sell excess power back in the bright half of the year (and achieve annual net zero).

Related terms for up-front (embodied) carbon:

• Embodied carbon = carbon emitted during the production of the materials used in the building.
• Carbon Negative Construction = building is designed and built with materials with negative carbon footprint. (When all materials’ footprints are added, the building sequesters carbon.)
  • MiNet0-1 is not quite there. We have a 60% reduction from conventional construction but still have ~15 tons of embodied carbon in the envelope of the house and ~11 in the garage, plus embodied carbon in MEP, appliances, and fixtures.

Related big-picture goal:

• Decarbonization: taking carbon emissions out of the entire life cycle of the building (or any process). Accounts for up-front, operational, and end-of-life emissions.

We need to stop burning stuff if we’re going to get to net zero by 2050.

Phius Zero certification does not allow fuel-burning appliances in the building.

All-electric buildings are not only more sustainable but are also safer and healthier for the occupants of the building.

Benefits fall into 10 general categories: energy efficiency, water efficiency, ecosystem restoration, occupant health, structure durability, convenience/livability, beauty, lagom aesthetics, smart controls, and embodied carbon.

See this 3D Matterport tour and click on the waypoints for more specific benefits and links to additional information: 

We wanted to eliminate the high embodied carbon in concrete and foam insulation.

We did so with an innovative combination of rare foundation ideas.

You can read about the details of the design here.

After an initial FSBO effort, we have elected to hire a listing agent, Brett Vredevoogd of Eco Equity Real Estate. If you are working with a buyer’s agent, please have your agent contact Brett to discuss details and arrange a showing.

Our price is negotiable based on the buyer’s interest/willingness to be a partner in the mission of Michigan Net Zero Homes. This could look like an agreement to host periodic tours or open houses or perhaps participate in webinars that promote net zero construction.

Note that a curb-cut rain garden is still planned between the sidewalk and the road in front of the house. This will help reduce damaging runoff into the river and expand the native plantings around the house.  It will also eliminate the need to bring a mower down the steep hill and increase curb appeal.

Note that the price includes a $6000 allowance for special blinds for the tilt-turn windows and the doors. We envision the selection of those blinds would be made with input from Dale as the builder and the interior designer chosen by the buyer for furniture and décor selection.