Zero Net Energy
Zero net energy (ZNE) has unprecedented potential to transform the way buildings use energy. This ultra-efficiency goal is one that owners can define, design teams can reach for and occupants desire. An increasing number of buildings are meeting this standard, raising confidence that a ZNE goal is realistic given current building technologies and design approaches. ZNE buildings also offer an opportunity to create future-ready, resilient spaces that are resistant to volatile energy markets and remain operational in the face of natural disasters or other emergencies.
ZNE Buildings are commercial buildings that use no more energy over the course of the year than they produce from on-site renewable sources. Additionally there are also Zero Net Energy-Capable buildings these buildings achieve energy performance similar to ZNEs and could achieve net-zero energy consumption with the addition of on-site power generation. NBI is working on a number of efforts described below that are related to zero net energy performance in commercial buildings.
Getting to Zero National Forum
This fall, the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) is dedicating the last two days of its annual meeting—September 17-18—to issues related to zero net energy (ZNE) performance in buildings. Under a partnership with New Buildings Institute (NBI), NASEO will host a first-of-its-kind forum bringing together a cross-section of leading policy makers, design professionals, building owners and commercial real estate representatives. Attendees will share perspectives on the growth of ZNE policies and projects and discuss the future of these extremely efficient buildings that produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. Read more
Research & Case Studies
Getting to Zero 2012 Status Update
This report provides the most comprehensive look at the state of zero energy commercial buildings to date. Read more
Zero Net Energy Case Studies
A number of the ZEB and ZEC buildings are highlighted in NBI's Getting to 50 buildings database. Printable profiles with content excerpted from the Getting to 50 case studies are also available. Read case studies
Other Zero Net Energy Resources
Examples of programs or policy documents supporting zero energy-capable construction Learn more
Share Your Experience with Zero-Net Energy Buildings
Are you a policymaker, designer, owner, consultant or someone else in the building industry who has had an experience with zero-net energy policies or projects in the commercial sector? We want to hear your story. The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and New Buildings Institute (NBI) are collecting these experiences in a repository so that they can be shared with others who want to learn how to advance zero-energy building practices and policies.
Personal information will be kept anonymous. NBI does not share or sell lists.
