What is net zero housing?

Curious about cutting down your power bills and doing your bit for the environment? That’s exactly where net zero housing comes in.

A net zero home generates as much energy as it uses, thanks to smart and efficient building design alongside solar and geothermal-sourced energy. This forward-thinking approach to homebuilding can have huge benefits for you and your family in the long run.

What are the benefits of net zero housing?

Environmental

Given these homes are built to use as much as – if not less than – the energy they produce, net zero energy homes can have a carbon neutral or even negative footprint.

This then reduces the home’s greenhouse gas emissions and is a great way to make your house sustainable.

Net zero homes tap into sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar power, which can save you money and ease the strain on the energy grid.

Plus, net zero homes tend to feature energy-efficient ventilation systems and avoid toxic construction materials, boosting the planet’s health and your own.

Economical

They say you have to spend money to make money. This couldn’t be truer for net zero housing. By investing in quality building materials and generating your own power you can avoid unpredictable energy prices.

Plus, this “future-proofing” form of building may also increase your home’s resale value. 

Increased comfort and quality of living

Construction techniques used when building a net zero energy home, like superior insulation and energy-efficient double-glazed windows, can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

These techniques, alongside the use of durable building materials often means less maintenance compared to traditional homes.

What are the challenges of net zero housing?

High upfront costs

Building a home with newer renewable energy systems or building materials will tend to cost more than a home built with traditional construction practices.

While these costs may balance out over time, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re interested in net zero housing.

Reliance on ideal solar power conditions

If a net zero home’s solar panels are not positioned optimally – like if they’re in the shade a portion of the day – they won’t be able to generate as much power as panel out in the full, constant sunlight. This can then affect the self-sufficiency of a net zero home.

Lack of skilled builders or suppliers

Finding the right professional for the job may be tricky when building a net zero home. Some builders and tradespeople may not be equipped with the expertise or tools to install renewable energy devices or may be unfamiliar with ideal building techniques for modern materials.

Before hiring a builder or tradie, make sure you know which materials and technology you want in your home. Then, ask if they’re familiar with the best building practices or are certified to install those systems.

Regulatory hurdles

You may need to do a bit of extra legwork and investigate if your local councils building codes or regulations require additional approvals for your net zero home.

Get in touch with your relevant building authority and seek clarity before you commence building. While this may cause some delays, it’s important to make sure your entire build is approved and up to code. 

Whatever you do, consider insurance

If you ultimately decide to build a net zero energy home, always consider having an adequate sum insured to cover the cost of repair or rebuilding your home including the new additions. GIO has different levels of cover to consider that may suit your needs and budget.

Explore GIO Home Building Insurance

Read more:

• How much should you insure your home for?
• Tips to reduce your home insurance premium
• What does GIO Home and Contents Insurance cover?

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.

This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.