The Palo Alto Net Zero Energy House is a renovated 1936 house that is now net zero energy and carbon-neutral. The green renovation used advanced high-performance sustainable methods and materials throughout the home while preserving the 1936 architectural style.

The five goals for the renovation were Energy Efficiency, Comfort, Health, Water, and Historic Preservation. Those goal have been accomplished. Energy monitoring at the house shows:

There has been a 62% reduction in energy usage.

That energy use reduction occurs even with the additional of air conditioning in the house.  The house is more comfortable because the air supply is refreshed every three hours and the heat in the house is evenly dispersed.

All the water in the house is filtered and less water is used because of low flow fixtures and recirculation pumps.  All of these modern improvements were accomplished and the historic elements in the house were preserved.

The house and this website are designed to inspire and educate others interested in green renovation.   The site describes the steps to achieve net zero energy and zero carbon, and contact information for the renovation’s vendors and their products.
There are eight steps to accomplish the goals of net zero renovation:

Seal the Building Envelope>>
Improve Indoor Air Quality>>
Heat and Cool Efficiently>>
Switch to Efficient Lighting>>
Install Appliances Beyond Energy Star>>
Use Less Water>>
Choose Sustainable Materials>>
Use Renewable Energy>>