Zero-Net Energy Housing

The goals of sustainable communities are to 1) lower infrastructure and transportation costs, 2) reduce air pollution and storm water runoff, 3) preserve historic properties and sensitive lands, 4) save people in commute time, 5) create more economically resilient communities and 6) meet market demand for different types of housing at various price points.

Housing represents the largest private investment in many communities, and the availability of desirable housing stock plays an important role in a community’s vitality. Indeed the lack of high-quality housing may have a deleterious impact on community economic development.  Our Architecture 411 course investigates, selects, develops and proposes zero-net energy ready housing designs and community strategies to foster a purposeful, sustainable community in partnership with UNL’s Construction Management students and community partners such as Habitat for Humanity in Omaha and 75 North Development.