Dive Brief:

• The use of passive solar design, solar panels, better insulation, and fiberglass composite windows could cut the cost of heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings in half, green builders told Green Building Elements.

• Yet many builders and building owners scoff at the upgrades for fear they will hike the price of construction. In fact, one builder said, building a home that is 50% more efficient adds between 3% and 5% to the cost.

• For another 10%, the builders said, the home could be net-zero energy. The reason: An energy-efficient home needs smaller, less-expensive HVAC units.

Dive Insight:

More tips on passive energy savings are available in a 76-page online brochure by the Passive House Institute, a research organization.