Net-Zero Energy & Renewables
Net-zero energy use is the ability of a building to supply its own energy over the course of a year by using renewables (typically onsite renewables, though some definitions include offsite procurement).
Alternative energy sources like photovoltaics are becoming more affordable, increasing the possibility that a building project can achieve net-zero energy. And as more buildings use renewables along with storage technologies, there are opportunities to harmonize with the grid and use more renewable energy from there as well.
Net-Zero Energy & Renewables
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
-
Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Feature Article
Net-zero-energy buildings don’t always reduce carbon emissions. These are the tweaks we need to ensure they do.
-
Five Reasons to Be Optimistic About Solar Energy
Feature Article
Commercial-scale solar energy, buoyed by battery storage, is continuing to grow, redefining how we produce and use energy.
-
Why Schools Are Embracing Net-Zero Energy
Feature Article
Schools are leading the way in net-zero energy, but some designers question whether these goals create the best learning environments.
-
20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
Feature Article
https://www.thuleenergystorage.com/In this age of political revolution and environmental urgency, it’s time to step back and take a look at priorities, challenges, and opportunities
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
-
Building Decarbonization: Learn the Lingo
Explainer
Building decarbonization 101 for architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants cutting emissions from building materials and operations.
-
Energy Performance: Learn the Lingo
Explainer
The AIA 2030 Commitment and many other programs require project teams to predict and report on energy use. Here are the key terms you’ll need to get the job done.
-
Understanding Emission Scopes in the GHG Protocol
Explainer
The GHG Protocol’s three emission scopes acknowledge the complexities of supply and demand while also encouraging sector-wide alignment, consistent transparency, and support for science-based decarbonization targets.
-
How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Explainer
Even if you buy into a solar farm or host an array, someone else can claim the benefits. Here’s how to get what you expect.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2024
Product Review
BuildingGreen’s Top 10 industry-transforming products this year include innovative heat-pump energy storage, electric construction equipment, PFAS-free textiles, healthier lighting, PV circularity, and more.
-
Photovoltaics and Their Environmental Performance
Product Review
Renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic (PV) panels, have come under attack for using toxic materials and having a high carbon footprint. The truth is more complicated. -
Integrated PV Inverter and Electric Vehicle Charger
Product Review
SolarEdge’s photovoltaic inverter and electric vehicle charging station reduces the number of mechanical systems and simplifies installation.
-
BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
USGBC Certifies First LEED v5 O+M Projects
News Brief
USGBC announces the first three projects certified under the new LEED v5 Operations & Maintenance (O+M) rating system, still in beta testing.
-
Industry Aligns on Federal Zero-Emissions-Building Definition
News Brief
The federal government finalized its definition of a “zero-emissions building” in June of this year, and now major industry groups have formally announced their intentions to align with it.
-
Be Prepared: The IRA Eliminates the Tech-Based ITC in Just Over a Year
News Analysis
Beginning in 2025, electricity-producing facilities will need to achieve zero emissions to claim the Investment Tax Credit, making the eligibility of several currently funded technologies uncertain.
-
White House to Release Building Decarbonization Standard
News Brief
The new building decarbonization standard aims to bring all buildings along—not just a few high performers.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
-
The Universal Low-Carbon Building Standard Avoids RECs and Unnecessary Complications
Op-Ed
RECs and carbon offsets lack credibility, and grid interactivity adds unnecessary complexity. That's why this standard leaves them out.
-
The Universal Low-Carbon Building Standard Does Six Things
Op-Ed
Here’s how we’re going to deconstruct “net zero” and rebuild it as a comprehensive standard that applies to every building.
-
This is the Universal Low-Carbon Building Standard We Need
Op-Ed
The building industry’s current net-zero-energy and net-zero-carbon standards got complicated for a reason, but they don’t have to stay that way.
-
Net Zero Has Failed. We Need a Universal Carbon Standard for Buildings.
Op-Ed
The building sector’s current “net-zero” standards are not credible, not scalable, and don’t eliminate emissions. There’s a better way.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
-
IRA Nuts & Bolts with an Energy Tax Expert
Webcast
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers us a once-in-a-generation chance to equitably decarbonize the built environment and prepare communities to weather future climate threats. Will we seize that chance in time? For that to happen, it’s vital that project teams understand the rules well enough to offer and implement the right solutions.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
