DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program and Beyond: Green Built Alliance Fall 2023 Workshops

This workshop will provide insight into the Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home Program, representing a whole new level of high-performance homes with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability.

Participants will leave the class with an understanding of the following:

• Current tax credits for certification programs, including Zero Energy Ready
• Key requirements for Zero Energy Ready and the related technologies used to achieve certification
• Energy Star 3.1 requirements and frequently missed items regarding Envelope, HVAC, Water Efficiency, Lighting & Appliances, Indoor Air Quality, and Renewables
• Considerations for transitioning to all-electric homes, energy storage, and renewable energy grid regulations and incentives
• Current tax credits for solar, batteries, and Electric Vehicles
• Common issues for Homeowners regarding cost, back-up power requirements, and EV’s
• Roles for General Contractors in future planning for solar-ready, battery systems and chargers

This course has been approved as a two-hour elective course eligible for continuing-education credit through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, and for HSW credits through the American Institute of Architects. The hours additionally apply toward Green Built Alliance’s Regenerative Professional Accreditation. The class may also meet continuing-education criteria for other organizations; please email danny@greenbuilt.org with questions related to qualifying for continuing education.

Instructor bios:

Amy Musser is a co-owner and co-founder of Vandemusser Design, PLLC. The company has been operating in Asheville since 2004, and providing green-building design, consulting and home-energy rating services since 2006. The majority of their clients are general contractors who are building above-code homes certified according to Green Built Homes, Energy Star or LEED for Homes. They also work with homeowners, architects and HVAC installers. Amy Musser has bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in architectural engineering, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, all from The Pennsylvania State University. She is a licensed mechanical engineer in North Carolina and a RESNET-certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater.

Doug Ager is a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, growing up at Hickory Nut Gap Farm and graduating from both Warren Wilson College and Western Carolina University. After spending years working with his hands as a farrier and carpenter, he co-founded Sugar Hollow Solar in 2012 with a mission to improve how business is done while seeking local solutions to the climate crisis.