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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
A Review of the Current Net-Zero Energy and Net-Zero Carbon Certification Programs
News Analysis
Until recently, there was only one game in town when it came to net-zero energy and carbon. Now there are several certifications.
-
Vermont Utility Allows Sale of Customers’ Renewable Energy
News Brief
Vermont’s Green Mountain Power is offering a first-of-its-kind pilot program that allows consumers to sell renewable energy credits directly to businesses.
-
UK’s 2050 Carbon Law Requires Bold Plan for Buildings
News Brief
With new legislation requiring net-zero carbon by 2050, buildings will be a major focus.
-
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.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Five Reasons to Be Optimistic About Solar Energy
Spotlight Report
Commercial-scale solar energy, buoyed by battery storage, is continuing to grow, redefining how we produce and use energy.
