PERC Resources Explore Propane’s Role in ZNE Homes, Fight Misconception that ZNE Means All-Electric

WASHINGTON (November 30, 2020) – The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) 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 percent of respondents buying a home and 89 percent of respondents building a home are likely to consider a ZNE home for their next purchase or build. And about the same number — 81 percent of respondents buying a home and 84 percent 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.

The webpage, located on Propane.com, 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. Additionally, visitors can 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.”

Click here to explore PERC’s ZNE resources. To learn more about the benefits of propane for residential construction, visit Propane.com/Residential-Construction.

### 

About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.