Explore the interior of a $1.1 million 'zero emissions' dwelling.

• In June, the White House released guidelines outlining the standards for a "zero emissions" building.
• Morgan Wojciechowski's residence in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of the first to be designated as such.
• Almost a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from both residential and commercial buildings.

Achieving the U.S.' climate goals relies on real estate, according to federal officials.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, residential and commercial buildings account for 31% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than other economic sectors like transportation and agriculture when indirect emissions like electricity use are taken into account.

The Biden administration has adopted various policies to cut residential emissions.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, provides financial incentives such as tax breaks and rebates to homeowners who improve their homes' energy efficiency. Additionally, the White House has released guidelines for buildings to be classified as "zero emissions," meaning they are energy-efficient, do not emit pollutants from on-site energy use, and rely solely on clean energy, as stated by the Department of Energy.

Here are 8 easy and inexpensive ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

Pearl Certification has bestowed the federal "zero emissions" label on Morgan Wojciechowski, 33, among the first homeowners.

In August 2023, Wojciechowski, his wife Casey, and their three dogs — Dixie, Bo, and Charlie — relocated to a newly constructed residence in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Wojciechowski, the president of Healthy Communities and a local real-estate developer specializing in sustainable construction, discussed her new home, its financial advantages, and tips for homeowners to improve their homes' efficiency with CNBC.

The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

What constitutes a 'zero emissions' home? (Greg Iacurci)

The White House definition of a highly efficient home includes being all-electric and having a very, very, very high level of efficiency.

We are part of the green energy program with Dominion. Not only am I generating solar energy and any excess is fed back into the grid, but the power that enters my home is clean and sustainable. It costs an additional $10 per month to receive this clean energy.

GI: How much did your house cost to build?

MW: Like $1.1 million.

GI: And how big is the house?

MW: 5,800 square feet.

My home was my personal project because I believe in sustainability and wanted to do it in a forever home. However, a more replicable version of this would be what Healthy Communities builds at Walnut Farm, which is 1,500 square feet and is being sold for $433,000.

GI: Can you break down your home's estimated savings?

With solar panels, our utility bills are estimated to be approximately $917 annually or around $76 monthly.

According to TopBuild Home Services, the annual savings from the efficiency of a home with solar is $7,226, which is relative to the average U.S. home.

If I removed the solar production, I would be spending $5,431 less annually.

GI: What do you mean solar offsets it?

Net metering is a system where you generate energy at home and use it, with any excess being sent back to Dominion. The credits earned are stored in an account and used to offset your bill.

GI: So the power company is paying you that money?

Your utility bill savings come from the application of those credits to your next billing cycle, which offsets the overall cost.

An all-electric, energy-efficient home is necessary for solar panels to make sense.

GI: Why is that?

To achieve a quicker return on investment with solar panels, you need to have a home that is energy-efficient enough or retrofitted with higher-grade windows and insulation, reducing the need for more panels on your rooftop.

GI: That makes solar more attractive?

Failing to make energy-efficient upgrades to an existing home or constructing a home that is not energy-efficient enough will require the addition of more panels to compensate for the lack of energy efficiency. However, if the number of panels required becomes too large, it can cause people to become disoriented.

To ensure that solar panels make sense with your home, consider upgrading your windows, adding insulation, conditioning your crawl space, and upgrading your mechanical systems.

Consumers have a variety of options to reduce their carbon footprint. It's not necessary to make all changes at once. A zero-emissions home doesn't require solar panels; instead, it needs to be energy-efficient and powered entirely by electricity. Additionally, purchasing renewable energy from the utility company is necessary to achieve zero emissions.

Everyone can participate in the activity at their own level of sustainability.

GI: How do you recommend people get started?

To begin, I would advise a consumer to start with windows and doors. This is an effortless task that will allow them to observe any efficiency improvements.

Older homes often have leaky windows that allow air to enter and exit. Considering a house is like an envelope, it's crucial to seal the inside as effectively as possible.

I would hit insulation next.

Many older homes contain HVAC systems and ductwork within their attics. Insulating this space can make it a conditioned area, reducing the workload on building systems and improving energy efficiency by maintaining comfortable temperatures.

Energy-efficient upgrades to your home can be tax-deductible, making them an attractive option for consumers.

As a renter, you have limited control over certain aspects. You may seek guidance from your landlord.

If you are renting, changing someone else's mind may be more challenging. However, once you are in your own home, you have more control over your decisions.

You could conserve energy by turning off lights, even though it's not a common practice. Even with an efficient home, using timers on appliances can help reduce energy waste. This is a simple action that anyone can take.