House of the Future Video from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

An overview of tomorrow’s net-zero energy homes by leading research scientists covers cool roofs, smart windows, and computer-driven energy control systems.

What is a net-zero energy home? Scientists are working to make tomorrow’s homes more than just energy-efficient — they want them to be zero energy. Net-zero energy houses generate as much energy as they use through highly aggressive energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation.

Talking back to the grid: How new technologies are enabling buildings to listen to the grid and automatically change their thermostat settings or lighting loads, among other demands, in response to fluctuating electricity prices.

The networked (and energy-efficient) house: In the future, your home’s lights, climate control devices, computers, windows, and appliances could be controlled via a sophisticated digital network to help homeowners save energy.