Net-Zero Energy & Renewables
With alternative energy sources becoming more affordable, we are finally starting to wean ourselves off fossil fuels.
But as the industry expands, there are some growing pains. These systems open up new ways of thinking about our relationship to energy production and consumption, and they impact rating systems such as LEED and Passive House.
The resources found here provide guidance and a better understanding of topics like:
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net-zero energy
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thermal energy storage
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innovative battery systems
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fuel cells
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community solar
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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How to Succeed with the Living Building Challenge: 12 Teams Share Tips
Feature Article
The bar is high—that’s obvious—but watch out for some surprising pitfalls. Here’s how dedicated teams have tackled Living Building challenges.
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Solar Thermal Hot Water, Heating, and Cooling
Feature Article
By creating heat instead of electricity, solar thermal achieves three times the efficiency of photovoltaics at a lower price.
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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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Making Your Own Electricity: Onsite Photovoltaic Systems
Feature Article
Although photovoltaic systems have a long payback period, generous incentives and tax credits can make the systems attractive for building owners interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Non-Hazardous Deep-Cycle Batteries for On or Off the Grid
Product Review
Aquion offers high-performance “saltwater” energy storage without lead, sulfuric acid, or flammable lithium salts.
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Solar Farms Offer Renewable Power for the Rest of Us
Product Review
Community solar allows customers with site limitations to purchase commercial-quality photovoltaic systems—and the Clean Energy Collective is making it easier.
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Soltecture Offers Option for Photovoltaic Facades
Product Review
Soltecture's Corium CIGS BIPV system allows thin-film panels to be integrated into building façades and can be used with Focus Material's BIPV mounting systems.
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Powerhouse: Building-Integrated PV for Asphalt-Shingle Roofs
Product Review
Dow's Powerhouse solar shingles integrate seamlessly into asphalt-shingle residential roofs.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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AIA Declares Climate Emergency in Historic Resolution
News Brief
The AIA climate resolution calls for big changes in how the organization and its members will approach the climate crisis.
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“Grid Optimal” Buildings Can Smooth Transition to Renewables
News Brief
The Grid Optimal Initiative helps solve problems that arise when electricity users are also electricity suppliers.
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From Norway, A New Standard for Energy-Positive Design
News Brief
Powerhouse is a new standard for energy-positive buildings that generate more energy than used for construction, operation, and demolition.
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Gym in California Partly Powered by Human Energy
News Brief
Specially designed fitness equipment at Sacramento Eco Fitness helps power the building when exercise generates electricity.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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America’s Greenest Office Building
Blog Post
The Bullitt Center in Seattle is showing that a six-story, 52,000 square-foot building can meet the net-zero-energy, net-zero-water Living Building Challenge
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Save the Icing for Last
Op-Ed
Before considering high-profile features such as wind turbines and photovoltaic arrays, we should focus on the basics of green building.
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Get Ready for Fuel Switching
Op-Ed
As the cost of heating fuel rises, utilities must prepare for increased demand as homeowners switch to cheaper electric-resistance heat.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Solar Thermal Hot Water, Heating, and Cooling
Feature Article
By creating heat instead of electricity, solar thermal achieves three times the efficiency of photovoltaics at a lower price.
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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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Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World
Feature Article
Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, rising global temperatures would still bring major changes to the climate system and our way of life. This article offers solutions for designing buildings that not only mitigate our impact on the global climate, but also adapt to the changes that are coming-and those that are already here.
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Counting Carbon: Understanding Carbon Footprints of Buildings
Feature Article
Everyone seems to be talking about measuring carbon footprints and designing carbon-neutral buildings, but these terms mean different things to different people. Some focus just on operating energy, while others also look at transportation, materials, and other building-related emissions. As with so many things, the results depend on what you count and how you count it.