(631) 509-6800

Net Zero Energy Design.

Green Home Design
Commercial Green Building
LEED Certification

Sustainable Landscape Design
Net Zero Energy Design
Construction Management

Achieving Net Zero Energy with Paul Cataldo Architecture
In today’s world, minimizing our environmental impact and achieving energy independence are more important than ever. Net zero energy design offers a powerful solution, creating buildings that not only operate with exceptional efficiency but also produce as much energy as they consume. At Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning PC, we are passionate about helping clients achieve this ambitious goal. We offer a comprehensive approach to net zero design, guiding you through every step of the process from initial feasibility studies to the creation of a high-performance building that minimizes energy consumption and maximizes your long-term sustainability.

What Is Net Zero Energy Design?

Net zero energy buildings are the epitome of energy-efficiency. These incredibly green buildings not only use very limited amounts of energy, they actually produce as much (or sometimes more) than they use. With the high prices of heating oil, electricity and natural gas in the New York area, building a net zero energy home is a long-term financial investment with a guaranteed return. As a Long Island green architecture firm, our team at Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning PC is well-equipped to help determine if a net zero energy design is the right choice for your next building project.

Net zero energy design can be applied to all kinds of construction, including single-family green home design, apartment buildings, and commercial green buildings. While intelligent use of space is important, a building doesn’t have to be tiny to achieve net zero energy.

The Epitome of Energy Efficiency
Net zero buildings use minimal energy and produce enough renewable energy to meet their own annual needs. This translates to significant long-term cost savings.
Beyond Single-Family Homes
Net zero design principles can be applied to various building types – from homes and apartments to commercial structures.

Are Net Zero Homes Off the Grid?

Net zero energy homes and buildings aren’t usually off-the-grid. In fact, most Long Island net zero buildings are connected to the grid and maintain a give-and-take relationship, selling excess energy back to PSEG in a process called net metering.

During more extreme weather, a net zero energy building might need to use power from the grid for heating or cooling, but at many times, the building actually gives power back to the grid. In those situations, PSEG will credit a homeowner’s account with energy credits to be used in times of shortage. Homeowners only need pay for the daily charge for service to the power lines and meter.

That’s why net zero energy design isn’t limited to sunny deserts or vast stretches of windy farmland. Even in climates with great seasonal fluctuations in temperature, like Long Island, this kind of give-and-take relationship with the power grid makes net zero energy buildings possible. For example, even on a small, shady building site on Long Island, our team designed a successful net zero energy home in Northport, NY.

Net Zero vs. Off-Grid: Understanding the Difference
Net zero buildings are typically connected to the grid, utilizing a “give-and-take” relationship with the utility company. Excess energy produced is fed back to the grid (net metering), offsetting your energy use during peak demand periods.
The Power of Net Metering
Net metering allows you to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, receiving credits that lower your electricity bills. This system ensures reliable power access even during extreme weather events.
Net Zero Energy on Long Island
Description: Net zero design is achievable even in climates with seasonal variations like Long Island. Our successful Northport, NY project demonstrates the viability of this approach in our region.

Strategies to Achieve Net Zero Energy

Net zero energy projects are a lot more involved than simply installing a few solar panels on the roof; careful planning is essential from the first stages of design. Attention is paid to many details in the design process and during ​​construction management, with the goal of adding up to a net zero energy building.
Passive Solar Design
Generally, passive solar design principles are employed as the first step in creating a net zero energy building. The placement of the home on the building site, its insulation strategy, the location of doors and windows, and ​sustainable landscape design are carefully orchestrated to take advantage of the natural heating and cooling patterns of sun, shade, and earth.
Capturing Energy On-Site
Usually, solar panels (along with small wind turbines), are the easiest and most affordable methods of creating energy at a net zero energy home or building—both for the building’s own use, and for giving back to the grid when a surplus is created.
Choosing Insulation to Leverage Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is the reason why super insulation methods like structurally insulated panels and insulated concrete forms are so effective. Some materials, like concrete, retain, absorb, store, and release heat energy more effectively than others.

Interested in building a net zero energy home or​ ​commercial project? ​
Contact us ​today to learn how we can help!

+

Explore Green Building Projects.

+
We believe that green building is not just about the latest technology; it's about creating healthy, comfortable, and resource-efficient spaces that improve the well-being of occupants and minimize environmental impact. Our team of experts is passionate about sustainable design and possesses the knowledge and experience to translate your green building vision into reality.
Explore a curated selection of Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning's latest green building projects. Witness firsthand how sustainable design translates into beautiful, functional spaces. From energy-efficient homes to innovative commercial buildings, discover how we're crafting a greener future, one project at a time. Be inspired by the possibilities and see how sustainable design can elevate your next building project.

Islip Public Library Terrace

GREEN | PUBLIC

+

North Shore, Long Island, NY

Green | Residential | Home Addition

+

Aquebogue, NY

Green | Residential | New Home Design

+

Long Island LGBT Center

Green | Public | Renovation | Addition

+

North Shore, Long Island, NY

Residential | New Home Design

+

Northport, Long Island, NY

GREEN | Residential | New Home | Net Zero

+
+

Our Sustainable Design Team.

+

Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning is driven by a team passionate about sustainable design. Explore Paul Cataldo's profile, the leader who ignites this green vision.

Our team isn't just talented, they're passionate. Each member brings unique skills to the table, fostering a collaborative environment. Together, we create healthy and environmentally responsible spaces, ensuring every project benefits from a diverse perspective for innovative, sustainable design.
Paul Cataldo

Paul Cataldo

Architect

At Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning PC, an integrated approach to design is the natural process. Mechanical, electrical, and site design is important to the overall quality of the building.

Ready to Create Something Amazing?

We're Ready to Help. Give Us a Call Today.
+
+

Latest Green
Building News.

+

Keeping It Green: Stay informed about our latest sustainable design work and firm updates. Catch industry news and exciting project milestones, all in one place.

West Islip Public Library Renovation Embraces Technology and Environment

GreaterBabylon.com Features PCAP’s New Reading & Meeting Rooms at West Islip Library

Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning’s West Islip Library Renovation Featured on News12

Paul Cataldo on Green Inside & Out Radio Show

Earth Day Ground-Breaking for New LEED LGBT Network Community Center in Patchogue

Paul Cataldo Mentioned in Newsday

New Long Island LGBT Community Center To Build Green

Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning PC Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of New Port Jefferson Office

Paul Cataldo Architecture & Planning, PC Expands Offices In Port Jefferson, NY

Paul Cataldo To Serve on Advisory Panel of Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe on Long Island