flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

USGBC announces more than 23 million square feet of LEED certified net zero space

Building Team

USGBC announces more than 23 million square feet of LEED certified net zero space

Milestone reflects growing demand for net zero buildings.


By USGBC | June 16, 2022
U.S. Green Building Council
Courtesy Pixabay.

Today, the U.S. Green Building Council announced nearly 100 net zero certifications earned under the LEED Zero program, representing more than 23 million square feet of space. One-fourth of LEED Zero projects earned multiple certifications, demonstrating achievement of net zero goals in several categories.

A complement to LEED certification, LEED Zero provides a clear, data-driven path to recognizing net-zero goals and signals market leadership in the built environment. In 2018, the first year LEED Zero was released, certifications were earned in every category, with one project earning certification in all four categories.

“Operating our buildings at net zero, combined with a solid green building strategy, is a cost-effective solution to tackling the climate crisis,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC’s interim president & CEO. “Reducing the carbon emissions of buildings is a critical part of the solving the climate puzzle. We will continue to work together with building owners and partners from all sectors to ensure that we meet net zero goals.” 

LEED Zero energy certification is awarded to net zero energy buildings and communities that generate as much energy as they use over the course of the year. LEED Zero Carbon recognizes net zero carbon emissions from energy consumption through carbon emissions avoided or offset over one year. LEED Zero Water recognizes a potable water use balance of zero over one year. LEED Zero Waste recognizes buildings that achieve GBCI’s TRUE certification at the Platinum level.

Recent years have spotlighted the need to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate efforts to achieve a low-carbon future. Buildings account for nearly 40% of all carbon emissions, and according to a 2020 UN report, buildings must reduce at least 50% of their carbon emissions by 2030 to achieve net zero by 2050. Organizations, cities and countries around the globe are now monitoring their outputs and committing to carbon emissions reductions as well as net zero emissions.

This week is Net Zero Buildings Week, which is an opportunity to highlight the importance of green building and the push to decarbonize our existing buildings. In an effort to bring more awareness to the building sector’s contribution to carbon emissions, USGBC is taking part in Net Zero Buildings Week, joining the New Buildings Institute and other building industry partners to highlight the benefits of net zero buildings for a clean energy future. Join us as we virtually spread the word about net zero buildings and the people behind them. All organizations and firms are invited to participate by sharing their resources on social media using the hashtag #NetZeroNow.

Related Stories

Resiliency | Sep 3, 2024

Phius introduces retrofit standard for more resilient buildings

Phius recently released, REVIVE 2024, a retrofit standard for more resilient buildings. The standard focuses on resilience against grid outages by ensuring structures remain habitable for at least a week during extreme weather events.

Contractors | Aug 21, 2024

The average U.S. contractor has 8.4 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of July 2024

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator held steady at 8.4 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 22 to Aug. 6. The reading is down 0.9 months from July 2023.

Building Team | Aug 13, 2024

Don't miss out! 2024 Women in Residential+Commercial Construction Conference, September 18-20, Phoenix

This annual conference gathers 300+ women in construction for three transformative and education-rich days packed with industry speakers, AIA-accredited sessions, breakout education tracks, roundtable discussions, panels, and networking events.

Building Team | Jul 3, 2024

So you want to get published: What’s next?

In the AEC industry, securing media attention is no longer a niche endeavor but an essential component of a holistic marketing strategy.

Building Team | Apr 30, 2024

Building Design+Construction wins a 2024 Jesse H. Neal Award for editorial excellence

The editors of Building Design+Construction and Multifamily Pro+ were honored last week with a 2024 Jesse H. Neal Award for editorial excellence for their work on the “2023 Multifamily Annual Report.” The 76-page special report, published last October, won the Neal Award for Best Subject-Related Package. 

Engineers | Sep 8, 2023

Secrets of a structural engineer

Walter P Moore's Scott Martin, PE, LEED AP, DBIA, offers tips and takeaways for young—and veteran—structural engineers in the AEC industry. 

Giants 400 | Aug 30, 2023

Top 75 Engineering Firms for 2023

Kimley-Horn, WSP, Tetra Tech, Langan, and IMEG head the rankings of the nation's largest engineering firms for nonresidential buildings and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Building Team | Aug 28, 2023

Navigating challenges in construction administration

Vessel Architecture's Rebekah Schranck, AIA, shares how the demanding task of construction administration can be challenging, but crucial.

Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2023

2023 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms

A record 552 AEC firms submitted data for BD+C's 2023 Giants 400 Report. The final report includes 137 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.

Senior Living Design | Aug 7, 2023

Putting 9 senior living market trends into perspective

Brad Perkins, FAIA, a veteran of more than four decades in the planning and design of senior living communities, looks at where the market is heading in the immediate future. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021