Gene Myers ran dozens of computer simulations before he found the best way to build net-zero homes that met his tough, self-imposed criteria. Each year, the CEO of New Town Builders conducts a research exercise designed to produce a new series of extremely energy-efficient homes.
New Town Builders offers Zero-Ready homes with a HERS of about 35, well below what you’d get in an Energy Star home. It gets there by building a super-efficient building shell, before adding expensive mechanical systems. For an extra $35,000 or so New Town sells a net-zero home with upgraded windows, a heat pump, and a bigger solar system.
