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
Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015
Newly formed group challenges Florida building code
Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015
New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina
The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights
Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast
Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
