The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America™ Program is a research, development, and technology implementation process, cost-shared, in cooperation with the home construction industry. Building America develops systems engineered, sustainable, innovative building methods and integrated, cost-effective, advanced technologies. Zero Energy Homes is one of their projects. For more information, visit www.buildingamerica.gov.

The Building Industry Research Alliance, the newest coalition in the Building America Program, is a diverse group comprised of 31 industry partners. Led by ConSol, BIRA uses a systems engineering approach to produce homes on a community scale that use 40% to 70% less energy, reduce construction time and waste, improve productivity, and implement energy-and material-saving technologies. For more information, visit www.bira.ws.

ConSol is the leading developer of energy efficiency solutions in new home construction, offering services in engineering design, and energy code compliance. With 25 years of experience, ConSol delivers custom-tailored insights and direction to builders who pride themselves on market differentiation through resource efficiency. For more information, visit www.consol.ws.

Davis Energy Group has built a reputation for leading innovation in cooling and heating technology for residential, commercial, and institutional applications. Their work encompasses efficient cooling, heating, and building systems, including system analysis, design, controls, simulations, product development, and technology transfer. Founded in 1981, the company is located in Davis, California. For more information, visit www.davisenergy.com.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has been a leader in science and engineering research for more than 70 years. Located on a 200 acre site in the hills above the University of California's Berkeley campus, adjacent to the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley Lab holds the distinction of being the oldest of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratories. The Lab is managed by the University of California, operating with an annual budget of more than $500 million (FY2004) and a staff of about 3,800 employees, including more than 500 students. For more information, visit www.lbl.gov.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D. Established in 1974, NREL began operating in 1977 as the Solar Energy Research Institute. It was designated a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in September 1991 and its name changed to NREL. NREL is the principal research laboratory for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy which provides the majority of its funding. Other funding comes from DOE's Office of Science and Office of Electricity Transmission and Distribution. NREL's mission: NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. For more information, visit www.nrel.gov.