To remember the steps needed to Ecofit an existing residence, remember these letters - A-B-A-C-E and this formula - 20+15+15+50=100.

Audit - An energy audit sets a baseline, enables comparisons to similar houses, identifies gaps, and describes necessary steps for an Ecofit project.

Building Envelope - Sealing the building envelope is one of the most effective measures to reduce energy consumption. A comprehensive building envelope project will provide a reduction in energy expense up to 20%.

Appliance Replacement - Replacing old, inefficient appliances with new appliances, ranging from simple CFL light bulb replacement to more capital intensive replacement of an old refrigerator or an expensive HVAC system can have a tremendous impact on energy consumption. A series upgrade of appliances can reduce energy expense up to 15%.

Consumption Behavior Modification - Changing personal energy consumption habits with the help of web-based energy conservation tips and new energy management tools - known as Home Energy Management Systems or HEMS - can provide energy savings up to 15%.

Energy, as in renewable energy - After making all the other changes, a calculation can be made on the right size for a renewable energy system such as solar PV, the most expensive investment currently to reduce carbon footprint and enable energy independence. A solar PV system that fits a rooftop (and a budget) can generally provide about 50% of initial energy requirement. (in areas of high wind, a micro wind generator may be a feasible alternative).

Sometimes it just takes an early adopter to go first and pave the way for others to follow. First movers can reveal details on a complicated project, answer questions that everyone has on their minds, and showcase costs and benefits in clear detail. The National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) Zero Energy house diagram to the left details the multiple steps required to make a house nearly energy self sufficient.

Ecomergence works with leading partners in the industry to pull together showcase projects in partnership with early adopters, who agree to go first and in exchange, get early access to the benefit stream of Ecofit improvements and the pleasure and acclaim of being leaders in their respective communities.

Zero energy homes consume as much energy as they produce over the course of a year. Setting such a challenging goal is a new concept in home design, one that embraces the idea of shifting more expense over to the building and the capital side to avoid long term operational expenses based on rising fuel costs.

A good rule of thumb for zero energy homes is to strive for 50% or more reduction of the energy requirement and then to use a renewable energy resource such as solar PV to supply the remainder.

The house diagrammed above, taken from a Denver Post article about Boulder builder Eric Doub (found on the NREL website), describes a program that starts with siting and moves on to building design.

Energy saving strategies include 1) passive heat capture; 2) geothermal ventilation; 3) efficient electricity use; 4) heavy-duty insulation; 5) low-emission materials; and 6) predesigned solar PV.