Ep. 1 NET-Zero Carbon Home Shows Negative Carbon Emissions

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tom Butcher, Director of Research of the NORA Liquid Fuels Laboratory in Plainview, NY, for an update on his NORA demonstration home and how this "NET-Zero" carbon home shows negative carbon emissions.

Background
The use of biodiesel has been identified as an effective and reliable fuel to replace fossil-derived heating fuels. Due to research by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and efforts by heating system manufacturers and fuel marketers, the use of increasing blends of biodiesel with No. 2 heating oil has increased rapidly over the past few years.

NORA’s goal is to create demonstration homes that are net-zero emitters of carbon. Labeled the Net Zero Carbon Home Project, the homes will replace standard heating fuel with 100% biodiesel (B100) while relying on solar PV roof panels to generate renewable, carbon free electricity for non-heating uses. Since biodiesel is not yet fully carbon neutral, the solar PV system needed to be sized to produce more energy than the home requires. The excess carbon-free electricity could then be transferred back to the grid and offset the small amount of carbon emissions from biodiesel.

The first of these demonstrations is the home of Dr. Thomas Butcher, Director of Research of the NORA Liquid Fuels Laboratory in Plainview, NY. Dr. Butcher’s home was already using B100 for heating and subsequently solar PV panels were installed for the non-heating energy needs.

NORA would like to extend the Zero-Carbon Home project to other U.S. States. If you have an interest in working with NORA, contact [e-mail].

In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.