Many types of zero energy (ZE) buildings can be constructed with no added upfront cost, and some commercial buildings can see return on investment in as little as one year, according to a report by U.S. Green Building Council Massachusetts Chapter.
The report, “Zero Energy Buildings in MA: Saving Money from the Start,” assesses zero energy upfront building costs, model performance, and life-cycle costs in Massachusetts. Stakeholders and decision-makers frequently cite high costs as the primary barrier to ZE buildings, but the report contradicts that perception.
Researchers found that ZE buildings are being constructed utilizing readily available products, practices, technologies, and energy efficiency rebates. “We must address buildings with urgency, as they are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the City of Boston and demystify the notion that a future of resilient and sustainable buildings is unattainable,” said Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley, Chairman of the Environment, Sustainability and Parks Committee, in a news release.
The report says that building energy demand can be reduced 44% to 54% across all building types with technology that’s readily available today. Existing office buildings retrofitted to zero energy, with renewables, can produce a return on investment in as little as five to six years.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 27, 2021
AECOM sues insurance carrier for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims
Claims ‘all-risk policies’ should have included millions of dollars of losses due to virus.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2021
Updated guide to repair and rehabilitate existing concrete structures published
Document assesses how to adhere to code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2021
New guide for skylight selection, daylighting design released
Free Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance document now available.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2021
California considers statewide ban on natural gas heat, hot water in new homes
Code update would take effect in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Jan 20, 2021
Steel industry, labor urge Biden to retain steel tariffs
‘Essential to ensuring the viability of the domestic steel industry.’
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit will remain at 26%
Incentive was scheduled to be reduced to 22%.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
Thomas Jefferson University launches the Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
Will address climate change, social equity, rapid urbanization, and health.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2021
Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction
Environmental and planning groups note soaring claims, flood insurance debt.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2021
Proposed change to IECC process irks efficiency advocates
New procedure would diminish influence of local code officials.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.