The U.S. Army and LEED architects. Not exactly two groups you expect to be hanging out at cocktail parties together.

But in an effort to reduce energy consumption, the Army has commissioned the construction of two net zero energy duplexes at Fort Cambell that will likely achieve LEED platinum status. The buildings will consume 54 percent less power than similar, conventional homes and draw power from solar panels and geothermal systems. More interesting technologies: the buildings will sport an airtight building shell and thermal windows. Buildings consume 40 percent of the energy in the U.S. and lot of that power is wasted by old equipment, not-so-hot insulation and designs not tailored for energy efficiency.

If it works, expect more, both at Army bases and elsewhere. To date, net zero energy homes have largely been the status symbol for the rich and famous. Success with these prototypes could convince more to jump into the market for product and services to build relatively inexpensive net zero homes. (That's a goal of Zeta Communities which has a net zero beta in Oakland.) The Department of Defense already has ambitious plans to move toward electric and biodiesel cars. It has also been experimenting with bridges and structures made from recycled plastic.

This isn't part of the Fort Campbell project, but SG Blocks in South Carolina has been promoting modular homes out of old shipping containers for housing around military bases. Check out the video on the link. They don't look as nearly as utilitarian as you might think.