What is a zero-emission house and how much does it cost?

Modern construction is increasingly bold in focusing on sustainable development and ecological solutions. Global climate challenges are making people look for solutions that would not have such a big impact on the planet. Therefore, the topic of zero-emission houses is gaining in importance. In this article, we will take a closer look at these buildings. What are zero-emission houses? What criteria must they meet? How much does it cost to build a zero-emission house? Check out our article!

Table of contents

• What is a zero-emission house?
• How much does a zero-emission house cost?
• So is it worth building a zero-emission house?

What is a zero-emission house?

Let’s start by explaining when a building is zero-emission. According to the findings of the European Commission, a zero-emission house is a facility that does not emit any net carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere in the process of its use. There is no strict definition of this type of building, but based on this information, it can be assumed that these are houses in which energy production is equal to the carbon dioxide produced during construction and operation. This means that the energy needed for its operation is obtained from renewable energy sources (RES), such as solar, wind or geothermal energy. The idea behind this approach is to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the natural environment as much as possible, which is extremely important in the context of the fight against climate change.

However, how does it differ from passive houses and zero-energy buildings? Zero-emission houses also require the use of almost perfect thermal insulation, a photovoltaic installation or a wind turbine. In addition, such facilities include devices and solutions such as a smart thermostat, energy-saving lighting and air filtration. Materials that are used to build zero-emission houses should also have a low carbon footprint. So what are these materials? First of all, mineral wool, biodegradable wood or cellulose. Recycled solutions are also used.

How much does a zero-emission house cost?

Now that you know what materials are used during the construction of a zero-emission house, we can move on to the issue that is directly related to it. So how much does it cost to build such a facility?

It’s easy to assume that zero-emission homes are extremely expensive, but the actual costs may be a pleasant surprise to you. Even taking into account all the advantages of such a house, including low or even zero energy bills and a more durable, more resistant structure, The price difference between a zero-emission house and a conventionally built one is usually minimal. It is often only about 10%. That’s surprisingly little, given the huge ecological and financial benefits that a net-zero energy home offers.

High energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels or solar collectors, are particularly important. This allows such zero-emission homes to generate their own electricity and heat, reducing or completely eliminating the need for external energy suppliers. As a result, owners of such buildings can enjoy significant savings on their energy bills or even avoid paying them altogether.

In addition, zero-emission homes are typically more durable and resilient than traditional buildings. Their design is based on advanced technologies and materials that provide better thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

So is it worth building a zero-emission house?

While at first glance the price of building a zero-emission house may seem higher than building a traditional building, it is worth considering the long-term financial and environmental benefits. Savings on energy bills and higher property values can offset the initial cost of construction in a relatively short period of time. And in your opinion, is it worth it?

See also our article on what is the most expensive thing to do in building a house.