Panel Discussion in Washington, DC, Centers on Reaching Net Zero Energy Status in Residential Design

On November 9, NRMCA Senior Director, Building Innovation, and Build With Strength’s Frank Gordon joined Martin Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell & Best Homebuilders LLC; Ryan Meres, director of residential energy services network, (a.k.a. RESNET) and Kevin Harris, associate AIA (AG Stainless - CRAN, LSC, NAHBR member) in a panel discussion in Washington, DC, about achieving Net Zero Energy status in residential design. The event took place at the historic Watergate Hotel in front of close to 80 residential architects and designers from across the U.S.

The panel dealt with the current parameters defining Net Zero residentially, where Net Zero residential construction is being utilized today, and how the IRC’s Model Energy Code implementation is driving the market toward more energy-efficient and high-performance construction methods. During the discussion, Gordon was able to help explain the advantages of using concrete systems for exterior envelope applications residentially as well as highlighting the need to consider more resilient construction methods when having discussions about sustainability in modern residential construction. Other topics discussed included indoor air quality and how to reduce a property’s carbon footprint. The discussion ended with a focus on high-performance residential design elements with the greatest Return on Investment (ROI).

The session’s Q & A was very active, Gordon reported. He highlighted the use of NRMCA's Concrete Design Center as a tool available to all architects, owners and developers to aid in understanding the value ready mixed concrete brings to residential construction.

For more information about High-Performance Net Zero Residential Design and Construction or inquiries about the benefits offered by the NRMCA’s Concrete Design Center, contact Frank Gordon at fgordon@nrmca.org.