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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
Feature Article
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.
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How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Primer
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.
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Islandable Solar-PV For Power Outages
Primer
With the right technology, a grid-connected solar-electric system can still provide electricity during power outages.
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From Sunlight to Electricity: How Solar Cells Work
Primer
Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity with no moving parts.
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Comparing Fuel Costs
Primer
One would think comparing the costs of different heating fuels would be simple, but figuring out the amount heat available in a given quantity of fuel-and the associated cost-can be tricky.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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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.
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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.
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DC Power Supply Integrates AC and Renewables
Product Review
Nextek PhD provides AC-to-DC power at the building scale, integrates renewable energy, and can even save on first costs.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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California Architects, Get Ready for Net-Zero-Carbon Education
News Brief
The “ZNCD” California law requiring architects to take net-zero-carbon design courses goes into effect soon.
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Decarbonizing Grids Will Save Trillions, Study Finds
News Brief
Transitioning to renewables will not cost utilities more—far from it, say some researchers.
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Are You Ready to Buy American-Made Solar Panels?
News Brief
President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to support domestic manufacturing of photovoltaics, insulation, and more.
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Last-Second Save for Solar Industry
News Brief
More than 300 solar energy projects were in danger of being canceled or delayed as the U.S. Department of Commerce investigated China, but Biden will waive the tariff threat for two years.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Why Net-Zero Energy Is a Goal We Can All Get Behind
Op-Ed
BuidingGreen’s recent report critiquing net-zero energy may be fighting the wrong battle. -
Do Solar Panels Need to be Cleaned?
Blog Post
The accumulation of dust, pollen, and bird droppings affects the energy production of a PV array. This blog post looks into how important cleaning of solar panels really is.
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Zero-Energy Buildings for All
Blog Post
There is increasing movement for buildings to reach net-zero energy, but they can't do it alone. Here's how to fix the system.
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Net Zero Energy Is Achievable: Here’s How
Blog Post
The concept of the net zero energy (NZE) is a mature one, with established technology providing a clear path, especially for low- and mid-rise buildings.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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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.
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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.
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The Problem with Net-Zero Buildings (and the Case for Net-Zero Neighborhoods)
Feature Article
It can be tough to make an individual building into a zero energy building, while working at the community scale can offer up opportunities for energy efficiency and cost-effective renewable energy generation.
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Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Spotlight Report
In this report, we list eight ways that NZE projects miss the mark on climate goals, including how they affect the electricity grid, transportation, embodied carbon, and resilience, and how we can course-correct to achieve our goals.
