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A review of possible health concerns associated with zero net energy homes

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify potential human health concerns that may arise from the increasing popularity of zero net energy homes (ZNEH) a form of high-performance green building in the US. Since high levels of energy consumption are not sustainable, ZNEH has the potential to reduce the environmental impact without penalty to occupants by providing a healthy home environment at low energy inputs. The premise of this article is that ZNEHs can indeed maintain high levels of health while reducing energy consumption. However, the potential for health impacts must be investigated. In this brief essay, main health questions that might arise in relationship to ZNEHs are reviewed. In addition, potential areas for additional research on zero net energy homes and their effects on human health are identified. This topic remains in its infancy and is a viable area of research that will benefit greatly from additional research.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to extend their appreciation to contributing faculty members, including Chandron Achutan, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Medical Center, College of Public Health; Richard Lomneth of the Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Omaha and Shirley Niemeyer of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office. We also thank the Nebraska Research Initiative for providing the funding to support this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA

    Anna Walburn & Andrew Jameton

  2. College of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 232 Arch Hall West, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0107, USA

    Timothy L. Hemsath & Matthew Gulsvig

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  1. Timothy L. Hemsath
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  2. Anna Walburn
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Correspondence to Timothy L. Hemsath.

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Hemsath, T.L., Walburn, A., Jameton, A. et al. A review of possible health concerns associated with zero net energy homes. J Hous and the Built Environ 27, 389–400 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-011-9260-7

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