In this uncertain and unsustainable investment market, companies that build “smart answers” and offer consumers “cost less, mean more” solutions are poised to offer investors the best growth of their investment valuation. “Smart companies” will grow sustainable revenues as they succeed in integrating technology, best practices, customer expectations and sound business values. American investors should look for companies that are aligned with these three growing trends: the return of manufacturing to the U.S., creation of local economies, and generation and/or use of smart energy systems.
Are most homebuyers interested in purchasing a home that saves 90% over a traditional home on heating and cooling costs and requires only a small active heating system the size of a hairdryer? The Passivhaus movement is an exciting building design concept that offers tremendous energy savings due to reliance on passive heating systems. Europe is embracing the concept with between ten and fifteen thousand houses already built and governmental support of mandating the standard. The Passivhaus Institut in Darmstadt was formed in 1996 to promote and control passive house design and the group only recently formed the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) to reach out directly to the US building market. It is slow to gain momentum, but holds promise for the US market in the future.
