The U.S. Department of Energy has released a new national definition of a zero emissions building.
The definition is intended to provide industry guidance to support new and existing commercial and residential buildings to move towards zero emissions across the entire building sector, DOE says. “The definition provides market certainty and clarity to scale zero emissions new construction and retrofits,” according to a DOE statement.
By the definition, at a minimum, a zero emissions building must be energy efficient, free of onsite emissions from energy use, and powered solely from clean energy. In the future, the definition may address emissions from embodied carbon (producing, transporting, installing, and disposing of building materials) and additional considerations.
The definition is not a regulatory standard or a certification. It is intended to provide guidance that public and private entities may adopt to determine whether a building has zero emissions from operational energy use. “It is not a substitute for the green building and energy efficiency standards and certifications that public and private parties have developed,” DOE says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2017
Asheville, N.C. rezoning favors pedestrians, could change city’s character
Focus is on layout and look of new buildings rather than use.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2017
Many New York City landlords have not addressed new flood codes
City revised building codes after Superstorm Sandy, but many owners not required to upgrade.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2017
Nail-Laminated timber Canadian design and construction guide released
Includes practical strategies and guidance with lessons from real-life projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
New standard to monitor building sealing performance
Increased understanding of how materials act when stretched and compressed is the goal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
Denver voters approve green roof mandate
Buildings of 25,000 sf or larger required to install vegetative roof or PVs.
