Gov. Jay Inslee spoke at the Zero Energy House Grand Opening on May 9
Gov. Jay Inslee touring the Zero Energy House with CPTC President John Walstrum (left) and Dan Smith (right)
At Clover Park Technical College
The Zero Energy House project was proposed by Dan Smith to demonstrate the concept of “build tight and ventilate right.” Smith led the design and production of the home with the help of the Architectural Engineering Design, Interior Design, Landscape Management and Automotive Restoration programs. Smith serves as CPTC’s Sustainable Building Science instructor and has led his students in completing the project over the past three years.
The ZEH features passive heating qualities incorporated into the design. The vaulted ceiling over the great room features a south-facing wall of operable awning windows. This provides natural day light and takes advantage of prevailing winds and passive air movement. The home’s energy production and consumption are tracked to verify zero energy consumption.
The home is part of a larger commitment to sustainability at CPTC. The College established a Sustainability Committee in the Spring of 2010 to pursue efficiency, energy consciousness and green initiatives. The committee has championed paper reduction efforts, recycling and composting, and an energy conservation goal to lower electricity costs on campus. In addition, the College has leveraged two energy efficiency grants to strategically invest in upgraded lighting, motion sensor installation and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.
The project will bring to life program concepts taught in class and provide an example of simple changes that can add up to a big difference in the performance characteristics of a home. The house will also be used as a working laboratory for students to learn about air leakage concepts and training on air leakage testing equipment.
See the latest updates and current progress.
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the concept…
Photos of the building construction.
See the original design documents.
A list of programs in the Pierce County area that can help.
Would you like to donate to the zero energy house?
View our program offerings from Clover Park Technical College.
