It is time for the 5th annual residential net zero energy event held in partnership with the Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, Michigan Geothermal Energy Association, and MI - ACCA. This year's event will be held as part of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) as part of their Catalyst Communities Series. The Topic is “Net Zero” for Local Governments: Braiding Technologies to Deliver Efficient, Renewable Buildings Many are familiar with the concept of braiding complementary funding sources to achieve local clean energy projects. This webinar will extend the metaphor to the physical realm: That is, braiding various “net zero” building technologies—envelope upgrades, heat pumps, on-site renewable electricity and storage, and EV charging—to achieve integrated, high-performance buildings. Learn about strategies to holistically improve the energy efficiency of local government buildings to reduce carbon, improve the health and safety of occupants, AND save your community money by significantly reducing monthly utility bills. Experts from skilled trade associations will explain how the integrated “net zero” approach to renovations and new construction projects can work for local governments, offering advice on getting started and engaging with relevant skilled trades professionals in your region. They will also share how you can turn this approach into persuasive funding proposals that will make these projects even bigger financial winners for your community. Agenda Introductions (3 minutes) - Brett Little How do we define net zero? (5) - Brett Little Building envelope (8) Mark Lee Heat pumps (8) Rob Derksen Entertech On-site solar (8) Rob Kaercher Local Unit Of Government A2 Zero Program (10) Connor Dailey Wrap-up including the importance of finding an expert as you develop your funding proposal (3) David Gard Q&A (15) Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in* Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP) Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) State Architect / Builder License may be applicable Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier Passive House Consultant US (CPHC) Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) Speakers Mark Lee is the President and Founder of Better World Builders, LLC (BWB), a minority owned, home performance contractor specializing in residential energy efficiency and weatherization. Mark is a Healthy Home Evaluator and Building Analyst Professional certified by Building Performance Institute. He is a WMU graduate (1995) and serves as the Co-Chairperson on governor appointed State Construction Code Commission. His mission is to build a better world by helping individuals live in healthy, durable, and safe homes all while reducing their energy consumption. Better World Builder’s focus is on identifying and correcting the thermal envelopes of residential homes. By understanding how all the systems in a home function together, BWB can recommend which upgrades will be most beneficial for each individual homeowner on their path to a comfortable, safe and energy efficient household. This pathway makes our homes more valuable and have a lighter carbon footprint. When installing premium insulation and air sealing services, BWB is not only addressing comfort and energy waste, they are also completing essential preparation steps for successful heat pump installations. Mark takes pride in living in the Great Lakes State. When he is not building a Better World, he enjoys biking, kayaking and being with his wife, two daughters and their beloved doggies. David Gard directs the Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association (MEECA), a statewide trade group representing energy efficiency installers and the industry which supports them. He has more than two decades of experience in the energy policy sector and holds degrees in mechanical engineering, business, and natural resource policy. Rob Derksen, GHI Board member, has spent the past 34 years in the Geothermal heating and cooling industry. Rob is the Director of Business Development for Enertech Global LLC, a Geothermal and Air to Water Heat Pump Manufacturer. Rob was also a Co-owner of Michigan Energy Services for 25 Years. (an HVAC company specializing in Geothermal heat pump installations). In 2017, Rob started D4 Consulting to develop a much-needed software package that simplifies the design and sales process for HVAC systems. This software allows HVAC Contractors to deliver onsite proposals in a single home visit as well as provides energy and economic life cycle comparisons of Geothermal and other HVAC systems to homeowners. Rob’s well-rounded understanding of the home as a system, and his passion for education-based selling helps Customers choose products and processes that truly match their wants, needs and goals. Rob joined GHI during our residential net zero conference to discuss his net zero home, you can learn more https://youtu.be/57WM-HEDMYo [youtu.be] Rob Kaercher, Owner, Absolute Solar. Provider for all residential electrical, commercial, nonprofit, and municipal solar power, battery storage, and EV charger installation needs. We are committed to investing in Michigan’s clean energy future by making it our mission to ensure our clients take advantage of their property’s full potential through our turnkey solar energy installations. This company is led by a team of experienced and passionate individuals who share a common goal: to provide the highest quality renewable energy and electrical services to our clients, provide solutions for energy independence and help lead Michigan to a sustainable future. Connor Dailey is an Energy Coordinator with the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations focusing on residential and commercial energy programs. Connor has a BA in Interna​​​tional Relations from Grand Valley State University. Prior to joining the Office of Sustainability and Innovations, Connor worked for the city’s Parks and Recreation Ser​vices in a public-facing role serving and making connections with Ann Arbor residents, businesses, non-profits, and community organizations. This presentation will discuss current and potential future programs in Ann Arbor's A2ZERO Plan driving decarbonization of Ann Arbor homes. It will touch on A2ZERO programs focused on increasing the adoption of renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency improvements in Ann Arbor homes. Brett Little, the Education Manager at the GreenHome Institute, has over a decade of experience in the residential green building industry. He is deeply committed to advancing the organization's mission of empowering individuals to make healthier and more sustainable choices in construction and renovation. Through his role, Brett specializes in providing comprehensive education and training initiatives to improve sustainable outcomes for various projects. His role includes overseeing continuing education webinars, managing green building CEU education, instructing LEED green rater training, administering Certified GreenHome Professional training, and organizing the Residential Net Zero Energy Conference. Additionally, Brett is a certified green rater and has helped provide consultation on numerous projects ranging from home improvements to major mixed-use midrise multifamily housing projects. Driven by his commitment to sustainability, Brett has taken two homes he has or currently lives in through energy efficiency and residential green building certification standards. Lessons Learned 1. **Understand** the importance of energy-efficient building technologies in promoting occupant health by reducing carbon emissions and improving indoor air quality. 2. **Analyze** the safety benefits of integrating net zero technologies that can enhance the structural integrity and resilience of buildings against environmental challenges. 3. **Introduce** innovative funding strategies to support the development of building net zero energy projects, thereby enhancing the welfare of the community through economic savings. 4. **Articulate** the advantages of collaboration among skilled trade professionals to ensure that local government initiatives in net zero construction are both effective and sustainable.