Solar panels and energy-efficient appliances help cut emissions, but more needs to be done to improve building construction. That's what some prefab homebuilders like Dvele, Clever, and a California-based startup called Aro Homes are doing. "The excess renewable energy that we generate after 16 years, that offsets all the carbon that was used to build the home," said Carl Gish, CEO of Aro Homes. "We're not aware of any other home builders in the United States that are building homes as environmentally friendly." Gish points to four critical elements: First, Aro claims to use the most sustainable materials possible, like more timber and less concrete.

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Persons: Carl Gish, We're, Gish, Aro, Scott Brady, Lisa Rizzolo Organizations: Aro Homes, Innovation, Western Technology Investment Fund, Stanford University, CNBC Locations: California, United States, Aro