The U.S. Department of Energy recently launched the zero energy schools accelerator, an effort to develop cost-competitive zero energy school design.
Six school districts, two states, and several national organizations are working collaboratively on the effort. DOE defines a zero energy building as “an energy-efficient building, where on a source energy basis, the actual delivered energy is less than or equal to the onsite renewable exported energy.”
The program’s goal is to quickly make Zero Energy K-12 schools more mainstream. Participating school districts commit to developing their own zero energy plans for a district project within a year. They can also engage with fellow states and school districts, and gain support from regional and national organizations.
Officials kicked off the program at a school in Arlington, Va., that features advanced next generation energy efficiency and renewable power features, including solar rooftop and geothermal heating and cooling systems. Zero Energy schools have the potential to save 65%-to-80% in energy consumption, depending on climate the zone, DoE says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 25, 2017
Geotechnical solutions prevent building distress due to expansive clay soils
The condition is the most common geologic hazard in the U.S.
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2017
Non-union labor gaining ground in New York City
President of contractors’ group says competitive pricing is spurring more open shops.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
New tallest tower west of the Mississippi built to stringent seismic standards
L.A.’s new 1,100-foot skyscraper dominates city’s skyline.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
Chicago rises to the top of U.S. cities in percentage of LEED or Energy Star office buildings
Certified office buildings reach 66% in windy city.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2017
Economic impacts of climate change will jump over next two decades
Average annual cost to buildings and infrastructure from eastern storms to rise by $7.3 billion.
Codes and Standards | Jul 18, 2017
Energy modeling yields accuracy within 4%, says new study
Results of the study support the usefulness of the practice.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
Net Zero Energy rebranded as ‘Zero Energy’
ILF aims to make new certification the sole standard for highest performing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
New York City creates $10 million fund to help women- and minority-owned firms win construction contracts
The money is earmarked for up to $500,000 surety bonds per contract.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2017
New International Building Code allows weather-resistive barriers above 40 feet
Danger of propagating flames now deemed negligible.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2017
New mass plywood panel project moves ahead with federal grant
New material is substitute for concrete and steel in multi-story projects.
