The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has created a webpage dedicated to showcasing propane’s capabilities for zero net energy (ZNE) projects, a rapidly growing trend in the construction industry.

A survey performed by Harris Insights & Analytics for PERC found that 83% of respondents buying a home and 89% of respondents building a home are likely to consider a ZNE home for their next purchase or build. And about the same number, 81%, of respondents buying a home and 84% of respondents building a home, are very or somewhat willing to pay more for a ZNE home. The top reasons for considering a ZNE home included cost savings and environmental benefits.

Located on Propane.com, the webpage hosts a variety of educational resources for residential builders, remodelers, and construction professionals. Resources include testimonials, infographics, and charts that analyze site-to-source energy comparisons of electricity and propane, discuss the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), and compare annual energy costs. Visitors can also watch video interviews with an architect and engineering consultant who focus on sustainable construction, and who are achieving ZNE performance with propane.

“Many construction professionals are under the misconception that ZNE has to mean all-electric and we hope the resources on this webpage will help shake the skepticism that propane, along with other renewable energy sources, can be used to meet ZNE standards,” said Bryan Cordill, director of residential and commercial business development at PERC. “Propane can provide a clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy solution for builders and their customers.”

Propane-powered appliances can significantly lower a home’s energy consumption, making it easier to achieve ZNE goals and deliver premium performance to customers. These systems also lower first costs, annual energy costs, and emissions. Propane can even work hand-in-hand with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. In fact, mixed-fuel solutions are popular in ZNE projects because homeowners can lower their monthly utility bills while still reaping the benefits of gas appliances.

“ZNE projects will continue to increase in popularity,” Cordill said. “This trend presents a unique business opportunity for construction professionals who are well-versed in how different energy sources can impact a home’s performance. I encourage you to explore the resources we have available, so you’re ready to best serve these customers when they come calling.”

To learn more about the benefits of propane for residential construction, visit Propane.com/Residential-Construction

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, December 10, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.