Net-Zero Energy & Renewables

U.S. Department of Energy (public domain)

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

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Perspective

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  • On the Path to Net Zero

    Op-Ed

    At Leonard Farm, we’ve taken another big step in our quest for net-zero energy and net-zero carbon—but we’re not there yet!

  • 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

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Just For Fun

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