Dwell Development’s Emerald Star is the 2nd residence certified under the Zero Energy program in Seattle and the 10th residence certified in the world.
The Zero Energy program recognizes the world’s most energy efficient buildings including both commercial and residential projects. One of the programs most notable projects is the Bullitt Center—the greenest commercial building in the world and the headquarters for the International Living Future Institute in Seattle.
Dwell Development’s Emerald Star project has been a beacon for change in the Puget Sound. The cutting-edge combination of green technology, renewables, and reclaimed materials help the 2,218 square-foot home meet the rigorous requirements for Emerald Star certification developed by the Built Green residential building program. Emerald Star certified homes are required to achieve net zero energy using a renewable source such as solar. Other requirements include 70% reduction in water use, 90% reclaimed or FSC certified wood materials, and exceptional indoor air quality.
Completed in 2015, the project has exceeded expectations and net zero energy use. Recent data from Built Green shows the home produced 3,941 kWh more renewable energy than it consumed over a 25-month period. The homeowners, a family of three, also used just 19.95 gallons of utility-supplied water per person per day, which is a 70% reduction in water use when compared to the national average of 67 gallons per person per day.
The project has also gained national attention for being named the Grand Winner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2016 Housing Innovation Awards. Net
Zero Energy building certification from the International Living Future Institute is based on proven performance data (as opposed to an energy model), which is gathered over 12 consecutive months.