Welcome! Although many people consume energy without thinking about it, others realize the benefits of understanding and making mindful choices about their energy use. This section highlights homeowners working towards a more sustainable future. These success stories follow their work in progress as they find ways to make their homes energy efficient, or even a net zero energy home. There are may ways to do this:

Mindful Consumption - Changing a few habits can make a difference

These habits can be simple, such as teaching children to turn lights off when they leave the room, running full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine, and setting your thermostat a few degrees warmer or cooler. Another example of mindful consumption is to replace inefficient or worn out appliances with ones that conserve energy (such as Energy Star products). Investing in an inexpensive plug meter can identify appliances that use more energy than necessary.

Using/Generating Renewable Energy - Solar power is a renewable resource

Sunlight is delivered to almost every home, every day. A solar hot water heater or photovoltaic system can capture this energy.

Net Zero Energy - A zero energy home produces as much energy as it consumes

The founder of Sustainable Future started transforming his house in late 2005. It has been net zero energy since April of 2006.

Net Producer - Actually providing power to the grid

Like a mini power station, these homes produce more power than they use, and often sell the surplus back to the utility grid.

Where are you on this continuum, and where would you like to be?