We focus our work utilizing readily available, cost-effective, proven best practices. 

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We design ready-to-build zero net energy homes. 

• Design drawings can be downloaded free of charge. 

• New designs for zero-energy Just Housing homes can be commissioned.

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We offer services to support the advancement and widespread implementation of green construction practices.

• Technical assistance including but not limited to building energy modeling, existing conditions assessments, project and program planning and development 

• Curriculum development in green construction theory and practice 

• Education and workforce training in green building and design thinking 

• Industry and Academic Research focused on climate-appropriate building and equity 

• Collaboration with other organizations engaging in sustainable housing development, economic and environmental justice efforts, or policy that aligns with our mission

We sell licenses to use our designs, presentation drawings, and construction documents. 

• Licenses to build a single home are sold for a fixed fee, issued with the construction documents (plans and specifications).

• Licenses for use of our Standard Details Packet and Standard Specifications for use on projects not designed by Just Housing are also offered for sale.

• We offer tiered pricing. Licenses are sold at lower cost to nonprofit organizations. 

• We also offer discounts for multiple licenses, so go ahead - BUILD A SUBDIVISION OF JUST HOUSING HOMES!

We’ve done our homework. Marrying the best of theory and practice, we standardize robust, high performance, environmentally sound construction assemblies (walls, roof, foundation, mechanical systems), details and specifications. 

 

Our construction standards and specifications have been reviewed, tested and vetted by expert builders, industry partners, and building science specialists. We’ve purposely selected familiar assemblies and materials, readily available in most locales.

 

Just Housing homes are designed to use less than a third of the energy the same home built to code would use. An on-site solar energy system can produce all the required energy for the home, making the house zero net energy.

 

 

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An energy calculation is undertaken for each design to optimize the performance and estimate the renewable energy system size to bring the building to zero net energy operation. 

 

Our plans and specifications are thorough and comprehensive, and include performance notes and detailed quality requirements. We also offer in-house technical assistance and are available for questions from license holders.

 

We encourage builders to seek third-party verification and certification of their work. Certification provides third-party designation of the project as meeting all of the defined standards and requirements for high performance and zero net energy operation.

In Minnesota, third party verification and certification can be obtained through the Minnesota Center for Energy and the Environment or Minnesota Power’s New Homes Program