With ever-increasing energy demands and an uncertain economy, Troy Johns decided it was time to see what the next stage of home design could be. The founder and owner of Urban NW Homes utilized innovative construction techniques from designers across the country to create the first “Net Zero Emerald House” in the nation, which went on display, Jan. 5 and 6 in Vancouver.

The concept behind Net Zero is designing and building a home using materials that result in a minimal carbon footprint and energy usage.

“Essentially, any energy costs accrued during the winter time from running heat would be negated by not needing to use any energy during the summer,” Johns said. “So at the end of the year, you come out with an energy cost of zero.”

Johns is also hoping to buck the trend of homes lasting only a generation, rather than being around for a century.

“What people don’t realize is the modern home is designed to last only 30 years before either major improvements need to be made or a new one needs to be built,” said Johns. “As builders and designers, we simply can’t continue to operate that way. We need to start looking to homes that both last longer and consume less energy during their lifespan. Why can’t we build a sustainable home that lasts 75-100 years?”

To that end, the Net Zero home has a heating and hot water system that operates at 310 percent efficiency, high-grade insulation in the ceiling, floor and walls that require less wood in the frames, and super-efficient appliances and fans.

While most home builders pride themselves on building to standing codes, Johns points out that buyers are only getting the bare minimum in return.

“Any home that is built to code is the worst home you can have under the law,” Johns said. “It’s not built to be sustainable and will depreciate significantly over its lifetime.”

Johns is not only trying to change the market through his company, but he also serves as Chairman of the Green Council for the Building Industries Association of SW Washington.

“The goal is to educate local builders and designers about the need to innovate and embrace more energy efficient techniques,” Johns said. “Construction is very much a family business with current builders learning the craft from their parents, but not necessarily learning how to build a better home.”

With home buyers becoming more educated about their choices and also more critical of where their money goes, Johns added a shift from function over form has begun.

“It’s not necessarily about having the $10,000 countertop in the kitchen as it is using that money to put in better insulation and lower energy costs.”

Despite potentially carrying a higher price tag than competing homes, Johns points out what sets the Net Zero home apart is how the reduced energy costs can benefit homeowners long term.

“If you’re saving $4,000 per year in energy costs, that’s money you can put into your mortgage and on a 30-year loan, potentially it can take years off the repayment schedule,” Johns said. “So not only do you have a home you’re paying off sooner, but it’s also sustainable and will last a lot longer.”

For Johns and Urban NW Homes, the goal is not to become the biggest home builder in the area, but the one who builds the best homes.

“We’re hoping the culture surrounding home ownership will change to more sustainable models that embrace green technology. The only way to do that is by educating people on the differences and strengths between conventional home construction and what we offer,” said Johns.