Energy storage, rooftop solar panels and LEED construction used to be expensive, customized options for wealthier homeowners, but they are rapidly going mainstream. The combination of experience, economies of scale and advanced technology is making it possible for more home buyers — and renters — to live a low-carbon life. A case in point is a new Google Home-enabled partnership between two leading companies in the sustainability field, the global cutting edge energy storage company sonnen and the U.S. builder Pearl Homes.
So, what comes next? The new partnership demonstrates what can happen when developers look beyond the benefits to individual home buyers, and design properties with an eye on the connected, distributed energy landscape of the future.
Public policy and sustainable building
Before getting into the details of the new partnership, it’s important to take note of the public policy context.
Pearl and sonnen are pairing up to build a residential development called Hunters Point in Manatee County, Florida.
The name Hunters Point is strictly neutral, but there is no mistaking the sustainability mission. Hunters Point is being billed as a “Net-Zero-Plus and Climate-Positive’ community.”
That kind of climate action pitch might not touch a particular chord among prospective buyers in some areas. It will, however, resonate in Manatee County.
Manatee County hosts the Florida west coast city of Bradenton, and is also close to Sarasota, Tampa and St. Petersburg. The county of 385,000 people has a clearly defined sustainability policy:
Being sustainable remains in the forefront of decision making for Manatee County as leaders balance the environment, the economy, and the human/social needs of our community. As science, technology, and information change on the issues of sustainability, we adjust our path but consistently take steps toward this goal.
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