Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

Very modern look, very modern technology!

Austin residents may soon get their first look at the ZeroHouse, a high-tech solution to the energy crisis that offers off-grid self-sufficiency for homeowners. Plans for the prototype include water conservation technology, a sizable composting unit, and two large solar energy panels; these features are intended to produce all the energy and water needed by residents within the house. Designed by Austin architects Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, the ZeroHouse requires no outside power or water supply and is designed to sit on four stainless-steel pillars; thus, it requires a minimal environmental footprint and is prefabricated for easy construction.

Specht and Harpman are seeking an investor to finance the building of the prototype, which is expected to cost between $300,000 and $350,000. The ZeroHouse will provide 650 square feet of interior living space and covered exterior decking that adds 250 more square feet outside; the architects are looking for someone to finance and live in the home, which they hope to construct in the Austin area. The prototype plans are optimized to provide the maximum amount of livable space for residents, and incorporates highly energy-efficient appliances and electronics in order to use the smallest amount of resources possible, making this home an environmentally sound choice for consumers.

The ZeroHouse is the latest addition to the class of net-zero houses, which boast that they are completely self-sustaining and have a net energy cost of zero, since they produce as much energy as they require. The ZeroHouse produces power through two sizable solar panels and collects and filters rainwater for household use; waste processing and disposal is accomplished by the automated composting system located under the house. This allows it to function off-grid, or without accessing the local electric company’s supply; in practice, these houses are generally hooked up to the local system and are compensated for the energy they supply to companies like AustinEnergy.

Austin is a leader in the green technology industrial market; this makes it a logical choice for Specht and Harpman’s project. City leaders have agreed to require that all new residential construction must be net-zero capable beginning in 2015; while this will not always be immediately possible due to differences in ground cover and lot placement, the goal is expected to spur even more green construction in Austin. The ZeroHouse is not for everyone; its high cost of construction and avant-garde styling may not suit all buyers. The lessons learned and the techniques used in its construction, however, are expected to carry over into traditional home building practices and reduce overall energy costs in Austin over the long run.

Austin's drawing new solar technolgy jobs and expertise to the area.

Austin is slated to receive $4.8 million in funding for job education and training in the high-demand field of solar technology through the U.S. Department of Labor. The program, administered by the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, is expected to provide training for approximately 1,000 workers in the Austin area, preparing them for crucial positions in solar power plants throughout the region and as far afield as Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona. The Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program is sponsored by a number of national and Austin-based groups, including the Austin Workforce Investment Board, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and ImagineSolar.

Part of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress, the initiative is one aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is intended to provide employment opportunities for veterans, women, and minorities as well as offering unemployed individuals the chance to learn a new set of job skills. Austin’s highly-trained workforce and commitment to green technology played a significant part in its selection; it is one of only 25 sites to receive similar funding. The initiative is slated to distribute $100 million in funds over the next year; grants available through the stimulus program range between $1.4 million and $5 million, making the Austin grant one of the largest distributed to local programs.

This news comes on the heels of an initial report by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte showing a 33% decline in venture capital investment in the green technology sector in 2009. While at first glance these figures seem to spell bad news for the overall clean and green technology industries, the overall picture for venture capital investment was far worse. In relative terms, green technologies still attract investors and funds at a higher rate than most other sectors of the investment economy. Solar technology still leads the pack, with about 21% of all green technology investment in this area.

Texas ranks third in green technology investment in the nation, with only California and Massachusetts investing more in this area. Austin is especially proactive in the area of green technology, with many homes and businesses incorporating solar collection and energy efficient design in their initial construction. The additional funding provided through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program will help Austin remain on the cutting edge of clean, green energy sources and ensure a brighter economic outlook for the entire area.

Developer Magazine has announced its 2009 Sustainable Community of the Year. Mueller is located in the vibrant city center of Austin, Texas, and reflects Austin’s commitment to green technology and environmental responsibility. The development makes use of the land formerly devoted to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, reimagining it as a mixed-use urban environment incorporating commercial and residential elements in one unique package. Built by Catellus Development Corporation and designed by ROMA Design Group, the project is expected to provide approximately 10,000 construction jobs to Austin residents.

As a participant in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development program, the development requires that all residential construction in Mueller qualify for Austin Energy’s three-star energy-efficiency rating. In addition, commercial buildings within the development must meet LEED certification standards; this ensures that they will provide healthy and energy-efficient environments. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the first hospital ever to achieve LEED platinum certification and set the standard for new construction in Mueller. It is joined by the platinum-certified Ronald McDonald House and the silver-rated Dell Pediatric Research Institute; Mueller’s strict environmental standards ensure the highest level of green-friendly building possible.

Mueller already boasts over 200 three-star rated homes; the community is eventually slated to provide 4,600 residential units, of which one-fourth will be devoted to low and middle-income housing. Entry-level homes are designed to provide a point of access to the housing market for younger buyers, while a senior living community is expected to provide affordable housing for older residents. Ultimately it is planned that 10,000 residents will be served by the Mueller development. Green space and parks comprise twenty percent of the development and occupy 140 acres, providing families with safe places to relax and play together.

Mueller is the result of a partnership between Austin and Catellus Development and is centrally located to allow easy access to major employers within the metropolitan area. Situated just two miles from the University of Texas campus and three miles from downtown businesses, Mueller earns high marks for its pedestrian-friendly design and well-planned transportation routes. The development will eventually include over four million square feet of retail and employment opportunities, allowing many residents to live and work in the same area and eliminating lengthy commutes. Austin Energy’s on-site power plant is environmentally advanced and provides green energy for the development.

Mueller offers unique advantages to residents and businesses; as a result, it has gained local support and is considered one of the most innovative and green-friendly projects of its kind anywhere in the United States. Recreational, retail, employment, and residential areas coexist harmoniously and provide a cohesive and sustainable community in the heart of Austin.

Solar American Initiatives (SAI) – Their Mission
The cost is of solar energy continues to be prohibitive to consumers and end users. The ultimate goal for Solar America Initiatives (SAI) is to strengthen U.S. security by becoming less dependent on fossil fuels, and to assist in providing a cost effective solar energy solution to equal to that of present day conventional forms of electricity. The SAI has a time frame to accomplish their goals and to have solutions in production across the U.S. by the year 2015.

One of the most useful products found to assist in accomplishing this mission is in the use and practical applications of Photovoltaic (PV). PV create provides decentralized supplies of energy. Decentralized energy supplies such expand the sphere for the nation’s electricity portfolio. PV also improves the reliability of the electrical grid and can reduce the impact of a failure of the U.S. centralized electrical infrastructure grid. The Solar America Initiative has produced momentous results in conservation with incentives that and reduced water consumption by evading the use of fossil fuel, and the generation natural gas.

SAI has been promoting the use of PV and maintains a list of objectives for the use of photovoltaic. They maintain that by 2015 the objectives listed below will be accomplished:
• Provide 5-10 giga watts of new electric capacity (enough to power 1-2 million homes) to the U.S. grid
• Avoid 10 million metric tons per year of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
• Employ 30,000 new workers in the PV industry.

It is obvious that anyone can see where a mission like this works well for Austin and other green aspiring cities, neighborhoods, and companies. The goals here are  what many people want to see from a renewable energy company. As you can tell, they have a solid plan and method to achieving those goals. Before the downturn, they had been striving to reach for a solution to many issues, energy and finance because as this industry continues to develop, and more companies like SAI emerge, so will jobs, and that will encourage the economy. Nothing could be better for Austin or the US.

For more information, see the Solar America Initiative Posture Plan and the fact sheet About the Solar America Initiative. You can find it on their site: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/

Many homeowners today are leaning toward an environmentally friendly home. If it is time to remodel your floors, you may be happy to know that there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. Floors designed with the environment in mind not only last as long as traditional floors, but also offer a whole new variety of eye catching choices.

One of the most popular green flooring options is bamboo. This is a fast-growing renewable resource that can be made into sturdy flooring similar to hardwood floors. This flooring has a unique look that many homeowners are looking for. Since it is a grass, not actual wood of any kind, it can be harder to find variety. It will last as long as wood, but with less cost to the environment. Cork flooring has also recently gained popularity. This material offers another unique style and a new texture to a home. Cork is pulled from the trunk of a cork oak tree, without harming the tree itself. It helps to insulate the home as well as absorbs sound. Reclaimed hardwood floors give us yet another green flooring option. These are real wood floors made from recycled planks. Many come from older structures built with stronger wood, so they will last longer than floors made today.

There are so many ways to build or remodel a home without damaging the environment as much as before. We continue to look for ways to decrease waste and energy usage. These flooring options will save thousands of trees while giving a home a unique look, making these floors even more beautiful.

The city of Austin has done well during the recent real estate crisis. Austin has been included in many “Top 10” lists, including those for home buyers and home sellers. The city has also been recognized for its embracing of green building. The Austin Green Building Program offers many tips on how to build while being environmentally safe, and how to live that way once construction is complete. Many local builders use these guidelines to ensure quality green homes are built properly.

The Building Program bases its suggestions on Austin’s specific climate. Recommendations for heating and cooling the home are made based on the area’s relative humidity, annual rainfall rates, and winds. After studying all of these factors, the Program is able to advise builder how best to use natural resources. For example, it is recommended to build the home with the broad side facing north or south to avoid overheating during sunrise or sunset. Skylight use should also be limited for the same reason. Too much heat absorbed by the home will increase the need for an air conditioner. It is also recommended to use vents and reflective heat barriers on the roof to keep an attic cooler. Lighter color shingles will also keep the home cooler.

There are many more suggestions from Austin’s Green Building Program, for any part of new home construction. Since renewable resources are so necessary, many recommendations will offer a rebate or other benefit for using green planning. Be sure to look into how much building green can save you right now, and in the future.

Green has definitely become a popular color. The city of Austin has embraced an eco-friendly view on home building. Many local builders and real estate agents have placed more focus on this new facet of construction. More home buyers are looking for environmentally healthy alternatives for building materials and more energy efficient appliances. The housing market has taken notice of this trend and is making every effort to supply this dream.

Real estate agents are getting into the green scene now, with a recent seminar held by the MetroTex Association of Realtors. The seminar focused on educating the agents about specializing in green home sales. A few years ago, some agents chose this focus as a means to stand out in the industry. These days it has become almost a necessity to possess the knowledge of a home’s carbon footprint. Previously built homes can be evaluated for its energy usage. Many homeowners looking to sell have stated they are willing to spend the money on making their house greener. With the increased demand for eco-friendly homes, it is no wonder that more and more agents are looking for specialization in this field. Real estate agents are encouraging sellers to update their homes to make it more sellable. In the current depressed market, anything that brings better attention to a home helps.

In such a rough real estate market, agents have taken the steps to increase their selling potential. Austin has taken great strides the last few years in green building. Local agents have recognized this and are educating themselves to meet the demand.

Austin has been a city at the top of the list for cities that have embraced the green movement. Many local builders are using sustainable materials to build new homes. Energy efficient appliances are becoming the norm as opposed to upgrades options. Now the movement has moved outside. Many new commercial buildings are including landscape architecture with a green touch. The result is a beautiful place for employees to relax and, in some cases, to work.

The outside of commercial buildings has long been an ignored space. With the new focus on conservation, many businesses have begun to realize that utilizing this otherwise unused space can create a better working environment. Native plants and sustainable materials are being used to make these outdoor settings more eco-friendly. The most notable recent eco-friendly landscaping project in Austin is the Austonian building. When complete the building will include a 17,000 square foot rooftop garden that includes a 75 foot pool with fountains and an energy saving water irrigation system. That system will literally use rainwater to care for its plants. There will also be a dog park and herb garden. Landscape architecture firm, TBG Partners has been called upon to create similar outdoor havens for companies like the Ronald McDonald House and Dell’s Children’s Medical Center.

There is an increasing desire to conserve as much energy as possible and businesses in Austin have stepped up their efforts to lend a helping hand to the environment. As the trend continues to become the norm here, more companies are expected to follow.