The U.S. Department of Energy has funded the National Institute of Building Sciences to assess various potential definitions of "zero-energy buildings" and propose draft definitions with input from a number of subject matter experts and stakeholder organizations.
A broadly accepted market definition of zero-energy buildings is foundational to efforts by governments, utilities, or private entities to recognize or incentivize zero energy buildings. DOE is now seeking comments and information related to the proposed zero energy definitions, nomenclature, and implementation guidelines through a public comment period advertised in the Federal Register.
The public comment period is now open and will be available for 45 days, and will end on February 20, 2015. You can submit your comments here.
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing any relevant comments and information. DOE considers public participation to be an important part of the process for developing a commonly-accepted definition of Zero Energy Buildings.
The Department will consider all input received and plans to publish the final report in 2015.
Related Stories
| Sep 28, 2011
GBCI announces LEED fellow class of 2011
LEED Fellows represent green building industry's most accomplished professionals.
| Sep 28, 2011
Opus Group awarded contract for new Church & Dwight Co. headquarters
The campus will include two 125,000-sf Class A, energy-efficient office buildings that will be designed and constructed with sustainable practices and elements.
| Sep 23, 2011
Okanagan College sets sights on Living Buildings Challenge
The Living Building Challenge requires projects to meet a stringent list of qualifications, including net-zero energy and water consumption, and address critical environmental, social and economic factors.
| Sep 23, 2011
Under 40 Leadership Summit
Building Design+Construction’s Under 40 Leadership Summit takes place October 26-28, 2011 Hotel at the Monteleone in New Orleans. Discounted hotel rate deadline: October 2, 2011.
| Sep 16, 2011
Largest solar installation completed at Redskins' football stadium
On game days, solar power can provide up to 20% of FedExField’s power.
| Sep 16, 2011
Electrical installation work completed at Rhode Island DMV
The facility was renovated in order to better the working environment for DMV employees and streamline the experience for Rhode Island drivers.
| Sep 14, 2011
USGBC L.A. Chapter's Green Gala features Jason McLennan as keynote speaker
The Los Angeles Chapter of the nonprofit USGBC will launch its Sustainable Innovation Awards this year during the chapter's 7th Annual Green Gala on Thursday, November 3.
| Sep 14, 2011
Empire State Building achieves LEED Gold ?
The 2.85 million-sf building is celebrating its 80th anniversary while nearing completion of its renewal and repurposing to meet the needs of 21st Century businesses.
| Sep 12, 2011
Construction waste management
Best practices for an environmentally optimized job site.
| Sep 12, 2011
PVs play new roles as a teaching tool
Solar installations are helping K-12 schools around the country save money and teach students the intricacies of renewable energy sources.
