GreenHome Institute hosting Net Zero Energy Conference

A nonprofit focused on empowering people to make green building and renovation choices will host the Michigan Residential Net Zero Energy Conference this month.

Grand Rapids-based GreenHome Institute (GHI) will host the second annual conference virtually from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 20-22. The conference is free, but registration is required online.

Presentations and virtual home tours will be held from 6-8 p.m. each night of the conference with a Q&A and networking period from 8-9 p.m.

GHI said the conference is geared toward homeowners, energy efficiency contractors, solar contractors, architects, interior designers, real estate agents and anybody interested in learning about net-zero energy homes.

“A net-zero home generates as much energy as it uses over a year. It is a properly air sealed and well-insulated home that uses sun and geothermal to generate energy. The conference will offer an overview of net-zero homes and an in-depth analysis of their workings,” GHI said in a statement about the event.

Attendees can receive continuing education credits for $38.77 for state design and contractor licenses, as well as AIA, GBCI, BPI, NATE, AIBD and state Realtor credentials.

Conference schedule

Day 1: Conservation — High-performance envelopes, low carbon building enclosures and virtual tours of homes

Day 2: Utilization — Heat, cool and ventilate easily and efficiently with small electrical systems. Heat pump systems and geothermal systems are possibilities.

Day 3: Generation — Generation of renewable energy, solar panels and batteries, and carbon offsets — how do you pay for it all?

Matthew Grocoff Courtesy GreenHome Institute

Matthew Grocoff, founder of the Ann Arbor-based environmentally conscious building, real estate development, design and consulting firm, Thrive Collaborative, will deliver the closing remarks on Day 3.

Event sponsors include Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, GreenHome Institute, Imagine Inspired Design, the Michigan Geothermal Energy Association, the Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association and the University of Michigan.

More information is at greenhomeinstitute.org/events.