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
| Aug 11, 2010
Special Recognition: Kingswood School Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Kingswood School is perhaps the best example of Eliel Saarinen's work in North America. Designed in 1930 by the Finnish-born architect, the building was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style, with wide overhanging hipped roofs, long horizontal bands of windows, decorative leaded glass doors, and asymmetrical massing of elements.
