John and Rebecca Scheller built one of the region's first net zero energy homes that can be reasonably and affordably replicated in a cold-climate region.

A desire to accommodate their family's needs while also protecting the environment led Madison, Wis.-area attorneys John and Rebecca Scheller to construct a net zero energy home.

Having selected a lot in the service territory of Stoughton Utilities, a member of WPPI Energy, the Schellers worked with Shaw Building & Design, Inc. to design their home and to apply for GreenMax Home funding from WPPI Energy.

"We feel it is each person's duty to do what they can to reduce their negative impact on our most precious resources," the Schellers wrote in their GreenMax Home proposal. "Our goal is to live in a home that is healthy, safe, livable, efficient and responsible."