AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Habitat for Humanity is partnering with a local nonprofit to help build a different type of affordable home.

They've teamed up with Guadalupe Neighborhood Development to build net zero homes. The homes are well-insulated and energy efficient so that they produce as much renewable energy as they consume.

That leaves residents with a net zero energy bill.

"(For) people on limited income or low to moderate income, there's not a lot of extra money to spend on things like your energy bill. So when you can take that down to almost zero, that sure helps the families afford food, clothing and sometimes medicine," said Mark Rogers, GNDC's executive director.

Austin Habitat and GNDC will complete construction of four net zero homes by July.

Each home is being purchased by someone from East Austin.

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