Next monthly tour May 9, 2013

March 28th, 2013 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

zHome is fully sold out and is now a real community, full of residents.  However, we still have one unit which serves as the zHome Stewardship Center, operated by Built Green.  So, we are still doing full tours of the project!  The next free zHome tour will be on May 9, from 3:00-4:00.  Meet on site. Please contact Aaron Adelstein of Built Green at 425-460-8230 or aadelstein@mbaks.com to RSVP.

Final Dwell magazine blog post

February 10th, 2013 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

I think most folks followed our Dwell magazine blog through to the end, but just in case, here is a link to the final installment.  I tried to really sum up what I think zHome is about and where we are with buildings and climate change – a number of people have commented broadly on it so I wanted to be sure it was out there.

Habitat for Humanity House of the Future coming together fast

July 16th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

Another really cool project that is going on right now is Habitat for Humanity’s House of the Immediate Future, being built at the Seattle Center over this summer as part of the 50th anniversary of the Seattle Center.  The Home is pushing the envelope of deep green in the highly affordable category.

A really cool prefab builder, Method Homes, is participating in the home’s construction.  Check out their inspiring web site.

Habitat is looking for volunteers for help with the House of the Immediate Future as well as other projects - get out there and lend a hand!

zHome awarded Northwest Energy Star development of the year for 2011

July 12th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

 

Each year the EPA regional Energy Star program (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana) recognizes the best development of the year.  For 2011, that award went to zHome.  Here is Northwest Energy Star’s press release in full: 

“Ichijo USA Co., LTD was recently awarded the Development of the Year award by Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes and its Washington utility partners such as Puget Sound Energy. The Seattle, Washington-based builder has been selected for their commitment to incorporating energy-efficient building techniques and design into a specific housing development, practicing social responsibility within their communities, and providing their customers with improved comfort and reduced energy bills.

Since joining the program in 2011, Ichijo USA has built a total of seven ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The Development of the Year award is given based on a range of criteria including the number of qualifying homes the builder constructed, use of the ENERGY STAR brand in marketing and sales and a commitment to quality that meets and even extends Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes standards.

“We are so impressed by the dedication of Ichijo USA to continue to build high quality, energy-efficient homes in a market where increased requirements and downward price pressures are causing many builders to cut costs and cut corners,” said Neil Grigsby, program manager for Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes. “Our builders’ commitment to excellence is exemplified by Ichijo USA, who is a true leader in building high-performance, energy-efficient homes and educating the homebuyer on the importance of energy efficiency and better quality construction.””

By providing carbon neutral homes in a market context, my hope is that zHome will set the tone for the future of Energy Star, the energy code, etc.  I am glad to see that Energy Star was willing to recognize this even though Ichijo USA is a new entry into the marketplace.

zHome participates in virtual GreenExpo365 WaterSense panel

May 12th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

It was my pleasure to participate recently in an online webinar panel dedicated to hands on experience with WaterSense (you may need to sign up with GreenExpo365 to listen to this – it’s free!).  It was interesting to share nationally about this new program with the other panelists.

I also want to do a shout out to Scott Donnelly and GreenExpo365.  They provide virtual conferences throughout the year on all sorts of sustainability related topics.  I was personally unaware of them previously, but I am really impressed with what they are doing, and that they are providing carbon free learning for folks – it really does make a difference.  zHome will be participating in some upcoming GreenExpo365 sessions so stay tuned – we’ll let you know when they’re coming up!

zHome at Next 50 Energy Fair at Seattle Center this weekend May 28th and 29th – don’t miss it!

April 24th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

There’s so many cool things happening in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the Seattle Center, but my personal favorite is the energy fair, happening each day this weekend from 10-5.  Located in a big tent in the heart of the fun forest, there’s going to be a big top tent full of the latest, greatest energy ideas for your home.  zHome will be on display there.  Make sure you check out the House of the Immediate Future - sponsored by Seattle Habitat for Humanity, showcasing deep green energy technologies – it’s being built on site and will be transported to a site in Greenbridge later in the year. 

National coverage of zHome continues with EcoHome article

February 15th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

zHome coverage continues, this time with a nice article by Jennifer Goodman, senior editor at EcoHome magazine.  Check it out!

KIRO 97.3 FM does zHome/WaterSense feature story by Tim Haeck

February 2nd, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

Tim Haeck, reporter for KIRO FM, did a very interesting feature story on zHome.  zHome recently became the first community of WaterSense certified homes in the United States, and this is a big part of his story.  Check it out!

zHome project manager Brad Liljequist blogging for Dwell magazine

January 18th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

I’m a little embarrassed to be posting these links right now – I’ve been a contributing blogger for Dwell magazine online since September of last year, and posting a couple of times a month about zHome.  Chalk it up to just too much going on.  I have been putting a fair amount of work into them so I think you’ll find them of interest…if you’re a zHome blog follower already…

First Dwell blog post.

Dwell zHome blog two – the road to zero net energy/carbon neutrality

January 18th, 2012 - Posted By: Brad Liljequist

This one is about the process for achieving zero net energy – check it out!