Environmentally Friendly "Zero Home" Virtually Eliminates Homeowners Energy Bills

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 1, 2013 -- Vivint and Garbett Homes today announce the first affordable, climate 5 net-zero "smart home" to achieve a HERS 0 rating. Located in Herriman, Utah, this non-custom, self-sufficient, solar-powered home, called The Zero Home, is one of the first production homes in the United State that can generate as much energy as it consumes.

Equipped with Vivint's smart home technology and Vivint Solar's energy array, this Energy Star certified Zero Home will generate its own energy, offsetting most or all of the homeowners' utility bills. Additionally, the average utility bill for residents in the same neighborhood as The Zero Home is about $300 per month.

Net-zero homes are so energy efficient, most or all electricity needs can be met with renewable energy systems. This target has been difficult to achieve in the Salt Lake area's cold, dry climate, which according to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) climate zone map corresponds to Climate Zone 5.

Net-zero, climate 5 homes have been built in the past, but have only reached a HERS rating of 5 and could not be reproduced at an affordable price point. The Zero Home is the first to reach the critical 0 rating. Administered by the Residential Energy Services Network, the HERS Index is the industry standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency; the lower the rating, the more self-sufficient the home.

The Zero Home also qualifies for DOE Challenge Home designation, which recognizes home builders for their leadership constructing zero-energy ready homes that are both energy efficient and include high-end finishes, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability. By meeting the program criteria, DOE Challenge Homes are at least 40–50% more energy efficient than a typical new home.

"It's incredibly exciting to see the Utah building community join as a leader in green home-building," says Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy. "The collaboration between Vivint and Garbett, which allows the consumer to purchase a truly environmentally friendly home, is a huge milestone—both for Utah and the country."

The Zero Home will also be equipped with a Vivint home automation and energy management system that incorporates the latest proprietary technology from the Vivint Innovation Center, including Vivint Wireless Internet and a new touchscreen panel that features energy analytics. Additional home automation features include: automated door locks, a smart-thermostat, small appliance and lighting control, video surveillance and an enhanced security system featuring "Vivint Live," which provides two-way communication with emergency dispatch professionals in times of distress.

"This home is the perfect intersection of innovative and attainable technology," said Todd Pedersen, CEO of Vivint. "It embodies Vivint's mission to bring simple, affordable home technology and solar power to the masses, empowering them to live smarter while combating rising energy costs. We have been incredibly successful in reaching these objectives through our relationship with the Department of Energy and partnership with Garbett Homes."

Slated to be unveiled at the Salt Lake Parade of Homes from August 2–17, 2013, The Zero Home is priced in-line with other homes in the area based on the price per square foot. Home buyers can purchase a net zero home beginning at $350,000. The Zero Home is a single-family home that will feature five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a four-car garage, including a charging station for an electric vehicle.

"This is a watershed project for green building in Utah and across the country," said Bryson Garbett of Garbett Homes. "Every family deserves energy savings and greater energy independence. With the partnership between two like-minded companies, we want to show that smart homes no longer have to come custom built, with multi-million dollar price tags."

At the Parade of Homes, patrons will be able to tour the home, including the Green Learning Center. The Green Learning Center is a deconstructed section of the home that showcases Garbett Homes' energy-saving features, including spray foam and blown-in insulation, low-E windows, compact fluorescent lighting, super high-efficiency HVAC systems, a HEPA air filtration system, solar water heating, dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets. Vivint will add to the experience by showcasing a new prototype of its real-time energy analytics technology, which will decrease the energy expenditure for homeowners by allowing them to monitor and adjust the home's energy usage.

For more information on the Zero Home, visit www.thezerohome.com.

About Vivint
Vivint is a leading provider of home technology services in North America. Vivint's technology-based platform integrates a wide range of wireless features and components that deliver simple, affordable home security, energy management, home automation and solar solutions. In 2011, Vivint's Home Automation package and Advanced Security package received a Consumers Digest "Best Buy" rating. Dedicated to protecting families, increasing energy efficiency, and simplifying lives, Vivint has more than 13 years of experience and supports over 700,000 customers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the company's website at www.vivint.com.

About Garbett Homes
Garbett Homes has been building, marketing and selling award-winning communities for over 30 years. Garbett Homes strives to offer the most up-to-date technology and innovative designs in comfortable and functional homes. They are committed to Green Building Practices and constantly look for new ways to improve in every aspect of energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental responsibility. Garbett Homes has built over 4,000 homes and apartments in more than 30 communities in the United States and Mexico. See www.garbetthomes.com.