A new study by Boulder, Colo.-based Navigant Research projects that public- and private-sector efforts to lower the carbon footprint of new and renovated commercial and residential structures will boost the annual revenue generated by commercial and residential zero energy buildings (ZEBs) over the next 20 years by 122.5%, to $1.4 trillion.
This study cites the lack of unified standards bodies as a barrier to the growth of ZEBs. It forecasts revenues for six product and service categories—lighting, walls and roofing, HVAC, glazing, renewable energy, and soft costs—by geographic and national regions, with specific emphasis in the U.S. on California and Massachusetts.
“The global zero energy building market has many pockets of potential growth, but challenges remain in defining what exactly a ZEB is, as well as raising awareness of the increasing accessibility of these solutions,” said Noah Goldstein, research director with Navigant Research. “The strongest driver for this market is regulation, as policies like the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and California’s evolving Title 24 building code bring ZEB markets into being for new commercial, new residential, and retrofitted commercial spaces.”
The technology and equipment associated with the building envelope are developing rapidly, reducing the soft costs associated with ZEBs, according to the report. New developments in building envelope materials, along with innovative manufacturing techniques for windows and glazing, should help lower the energy use intensity of buildings. This focus on improved envelopes is expected to aid the greater building ecosystem, reducing energy costs for non-ZEBs, as well.
Related Stories
| Jul 16, 2012
Chen named design director at Heery
Chen comes to Heery from his own firm, Mark Chen Architect, a design and planning consulting firm, based in New York City, whose recent work includes large-scale planning studies for mixed-use projects.
| Jul 16, 2012
Reed Construction hires new project manager
Fread is a LEED AP and received his degree from Purdue University.
| Jul 16, 2012
Business school goes for maximum vision, transparency, and safety with fire rated glass
Architects were able to create a 2-hour exit enclosure/stairwell that provided vision and maximum fire safety using fire rated glazing that seamlessly matched the look of other non-rated glazing systems.
| Jul 12, 2012
New firm RSK Avanti Partners offers market development services
Full-service consulting firm is focused on working with product manufacturers, designers, specifies and contractors in the building construction market.
| Jul 12, 2012
Chicago Public Schools names Lend Lease team as construction manager
Under this Capital Improvement Program, the Lend Lease team will be responsible for renovation and life safety work at over 100 Chicago Public Schools across the City.
| Jul 12, 2012
Cramer joins Gilbane’s NYC Business Development Team
New Business Development Manager brings over 30 years of experience to Gilbane.
| Jul 12, 2012
Cardoso joins Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Senior architect brings experience, leadership to firm’s healthcare practice.
| Jul 12, 2012
EE&K and Knutson Construction selected for the Interchange in Minneapolis
Design-build contract for $79.3 million transportation hub will connect transit with culture.
| Jul 11, 2012
New BDC University course: Design Criteria for Ceramic Tile/Stone Installations
Everyone that successfully completed to course will receive 1.0 HSW/LU AIA LU.
| Jul 11, 2012
Perkins+Will designs new home for Gateway Community College
Largest one-time funded Connecticut state project and first designed to be LEED Gold.