World Green Building Council sets goal of 100% net-zero buildings by 2050

The World Green Building Council recently unveiled its "Advancing Net Zero" initiative that aims for 100% net-zero buildings by 2050.

The Council’s interim goal is to have all new buildings and major renovations designed for net-zero energy use by 2030. The organization will organize Green Building Councils around the world to develop net-zero certification programs for existing and new buildings.

Eight countries -- Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Sweden -- will be the pilot sites for the project. Building sectors in these countries are expected to have among the biggest growth around the world in the next few decades.

U.S.-based non-profit Architecture 2030 will provide expertise for the initiative.