The California Energy Commission's goal is to build "net-zero" homes in California by 2020. The test model is the ABC Green Home, located in an empty lot at Irvine, California's Great Park. The completion date for this Craftsman-style, 1,700-square-foot house is October, 2012, with the project management headed by Southern California Edison and Green Home Builder Magazine.
The ABC Green Home's LED Lighting will be present throughout the whole house. Image from OC Register
This unique home not only has specific building guidelines, it is also on the forefront for affordable price points for both the builders and buyers. Making this a real savior to California home's high-energy costs,over-usage of the electricity manufacturers and the reduction of waste.
How will it work, and what makes it net-zero?
Generates as much energy from roof-top solar panels as it consumes Conserves water Features LED lighting throughout the entire house Uses recycled building materials Good indoor air quality Handicapped accessible Builders can afford while still making a profit Backer's hope the cost can be comparable to a tract-home's cost
Southern California Edison's John Morton, left, Nicole Feenstra and Nick Slevin with Green Home Builder Magazine, rightImage from OC Register
The ABC Green Home's final product will be on display at the Great Park until early 2014. After that, it will be donated and moved to benefit a needy family with the help of the Habitat for Humanity. For more information on the ABC Green Home visit the OC Register article's 'Work under way on O.C.'s house of the future' by Jeff Collins.
Other helpful links:
Orange County's Great Park
Green Home Builder Magazine
YouTube Videos on The ABC Green Home