The Intersection of our
Homes and the Planet
The construction and operation of homes and buildings is a large part of our overall footprint on the planet. zHome is about demonstrating how to make the impacts of a home as close to zero as possible.
Carbon emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the main contributors to climate change—one of the defining issues of our age. Buildings generate carbon dioxide in two primary ways—direct burning of natural gas for heating, hot water and other purposes, and by using electricity generated by power plants which create CO2 (25% percent of electricity in the Pacific Northwest, and 71% percent nationally, come from coal, natural gas and oil burning power plants which emit CO2).
Energy useEnergy use is closely tied to carbon dioxide generation. But CO2 isn't the only impact of energy production on the environment. Although a renewable energy source common in the Northwest, hydroelectric power impacts salmon runs. Oil and natural gas drilling and transportation also have a detrimental impact on the environment. And of course, using less energy saves money, and ensures a clean energy supply for future generations.
Indoor air qualityEPA studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be two-to-five times higher inside homes than outside. Dust, volatile organic compounds, urea formaldehyde, mold and other toxins all create potential health impacts for residents, including asthma.
WaterIn many locations, water is pumped from an aquifer that is connected to salmon-carrying streams above. If too much water is pumped out of the aquifer, stream levels may drop, harming salmon and other wildlife. Many reservoirs provide water for both human use and river flow. If too much is used by humans, there may not be enough to sustain salmon runs. Water also requires significant energy to pump, treat, heat and move around—another impact on carbon emissions. And finally, as our region's population continues to grow, minimizing water use, even in non-drought years, is critical to ensure there's enough to go around (for us humans) now and in the future.
MaterialsWhether it's clearcuts for lumber, quarries for sand and gravel, oil drilling for asphalt and roofing, or the huge amounts of CO2 generated in concrete manufacture, construction of buildings have a direct impact on the environment.
WasteConstruction waste within the United States amounts to 2.8 pounds per person per day! Reducing construction by using fewer raw materials and recycled-content products whenever possible means less waste going to our landfills.
