The Department of Energy released a Request for Information (RFI) for feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on a draft national definition for a Zero Emissions Building.
Responses will help serve as a clear market signal and consistent target, backed by measurable data, that is intended to help move the building sector to zero emissions, according to a statement from DOE. Developing a broadly accepted common definition of a zero emissions building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to transition the building sector to zero emissions, the statement says.
The definition will act as a framework, offering designers and builders multiple pathways to influence the design and operation of buildings to reduce building sector emissions. Almost 30% of U.S. GHG emissions are from operating buildings, with 13% of U.S. GHG emissions from direct burning of fossil fuels within buildings.
Buildings contribute an even higher percentage of U.S. GHG emissions when factoring in emissions from construction materials and refrigerants. Part 1 of the definition will focus on zero operating emissions. Future parts of this definition will likely include embodied carbon, refrigerants, and other key elements.
As is proposed currently, the definition of a zero operating emissions building is one that is:
- Highly energy efficient
- Free of on-site emissions from energy use
- Powered solely from clean energy
Part 1 of the draft definition in full, which includes details on the criteria above, is available at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/national-definition-zero-emissions-building.
Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to https://forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3, no later than 5:00 pm (ET) on Feb. 5, 2024.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2015
Elevator shafts a major source of heat loss in New York City
A typical New York apartment building loses thousands of dollars worth of energy every year from leaky elevator shafts that vent warm air at the top of the building and draw in cold air at the bottom, according to a new Urban Green Council report.
Green | Mar 29, 2015
Passive House Institute launches ‘cost-effective’ passive building standard
The group says the building energy performance target is in the “sweet spot” where cost effectiveness overlaps with aggressive energy and carbon reduction.
Sponsored | Walls and Partitions | Mar 25, 2015
Metl-Span systems meet design needs in cost effective manner
The goal from the beginning was to construct an energy efficient building with insulated metal panels.
Green | Mar 25, 2015
WELL Building Standard introduced in China
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring features that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
Higher Education | Mar 23, 2015
Hong Kong university building will feature bioclimatic façade
The project's twin-tower design opens the campus up to the neighboring public green space, while maximizing the use of summer winds for natural ventilation.
Green | Mar 22, 2015
6 myths holding back green building
Sustainable design has proven benefits, so why isn’t it more widely adopted?
Green | Mar 18, 2015
Vertical urban greenhouses will feed import-reliant Jackson Hole, Wyo.
A Jackson Hole, Wyo., start up aims to reduce the city’s susceptibility to food deficits by building vertical greenhouses.
Sponsored | Energy Efficiency | Mar 16, 2015
California cuts its carbon footprint with solar
Spanning four locations in Central Valley, the California Renewable Energy Small Tariff projects pack a lot of power and are prime examples of the real-life benefits of going solar.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2015
Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for net-zero buildings
The organization is offering technical assistance along with financial benefits.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
AEC industry groups look to harmonize green building standards, codes
The USGBC, ASHRAE, ICC, IES, and AIA are collaborating on a single green code.