Achieving Net Zero with Internorm: The Future of Sustainable Living

In the face of climate change, the race to achieve sustainable living is more critical than ever. At the forefront of this effort are Net Zero Homes – residential spaces designed to generate as much energy as they consume. Internorm, a leading specialist in high-performance windows and doors, offers a range of products that can help homeowners reach this ambitious goal. This blog post will delve into the concept of Net Zero Homes and how Internorm’s products contribute to this sustainable initiative.

Understanding Net Zero Homes

Net Zero Homes, also known as zero-energy homes, are designed to be energy-efficient and produce enough renewable energy to meet their own annual energy consumption needs1. This is achieved through a combination of energy-saving technologies, such as high-performance insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows and doors, along with renewable energy sources like solar panels.

The Role of Windows and Doors in Net Zero Homes

Windows and doors play a significant role in a home’s energy performance. They can contribute to heat loss or gain, impacting the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. High-performance windows and doors, like those offered by Internorm, are designed to minimise heat loss and maximise natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating2.

Internorm’s Contribution to Net Zero Homes

Internorm’s highly insulating windows and doors are ideal for Net Zero Homes. With U-values as low as 0.5 W/(m2K), these products significantly reduce heat loss, contributing to overall energy efficiency3. Triple-glazing and integrated blinds or shutters further enhance thermal performance.

In addition to their insulating properties, Internorm’s products also contribute to passive solar gain, a key element in Net Zero Homes. By maximizing natural light and heat from the sun, these products help reduce the need for artificial heating and lighting, thereby lowering energy consumption4.

Case Study: The “Larch House” in Wales

A shining example of a Net Zero Home is the “Larch House” in Wales. This house was designed to be carbon-neutral and used Internorm’s windows and doors to help achieve this aim. These products contributed to the house’s impressive thermal performance, with an overall U-value of just 0.13 W/m2K5.

The Larch House not only achieved net-zero energy but also won numerous awards for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, including the ‘Best Custom Build Project’ at the Build It Awards6.

Conclusion

Net Zero Homes represent the future of sustainable living, and Internorm’s high-performance windows and doors are well-positioned to support this initiative. By integrating these products into their homes, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy requirements, move closer to achieving net-zero energy, and play their part in building a sustainable future.