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 | Nov 26, 2019
Updated ASHRAE standards focused on ventilation design, air quality in residential applications
Standard 62.1 and 62.2 updates provide new tables of ventilation rates per unit area.
Codes and Standards | Nov 25, 2019
Real estate professionals say coworking is not a flash in the pan
More than 60% say coworking space is in their portfolios.
Codes and Standards | Nov 22, 2019
Utility’s proposal threatens California’s rooftop solar mandate
Would allow customers to use solar farms instead of installing their own PVs.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2019
Number of LEED commercial building projects surpasses 100,000
More than 2.6 million sf of space being certified each day.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2019
Most U.S. voters support licensing standards for architects
NCARB survey shows strong support for architecture as a licensed profession.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2019
Cambridge, Mass., teams up with utility on energy retrofit program
Buildings large than 25,000 sf targeted in initiative to further carbon neutrality goal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2019
Resistance to Toronto’s ‘smart city’ reveals pitfalls of such ambitious projects
Concerns over data privacy, governance, feasibility prompt criticism.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2019
Heat pumps, strategic energy management could be next major focuses for efficiency
After lighting, efficiency experts look to new opportunities to boost energy efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2019
National Infrastructure Performance Council to address ‘national security crisis’
Coalition wants to double annual level of infrastructure investment.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2019
Major cities are adopting new building performance standards
Initiatives can include multiple standards.