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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Solar Thermal Hot Water, Heating, and Cooling
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By creating heat instead of electricity, solar thermal achieves three times the efficiency of photovoltaics at a lower price.
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How to Succeed with the Living Building Challenge: 12 Teams Share Tips
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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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The Death and Rebirth of DC Power
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Direct current is replacing AC in microgrids and other setups that maximize the efficiency of lighting, HVAC, and onsite renewables.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
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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.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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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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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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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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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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Coolerado Makes Solar Air Conditioning a Reality
News Analysis
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Wind Turbine Certification Forthcoming
News Analysis
A new performance standard for small wind turbines being developed by the American Wind Energy Association will be used by the newly formed Small Wind Certification Council to certify wind turbine durability and performance based on standardized wind conditions.
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Mortgage Policies Threaten PACE Programs
News Analysis
Commercial and residential PACE (property assessed clean energy) programs have been steadily growing throughout the U.S. Now the secondary mortgage market has raise red flags that could kill the promising program, but states are fighting back.
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A Surge of Popularity for Efficient DC Power
News Analysis
Which is more efficient: alternating or direct current? Experts say DC is the future of power distribution-and they're ready to get started now.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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America’s Greenest Office Building
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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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Net Zero Energy Is Achievable: Here’s How
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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.
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Zero-Energy Buildings for All
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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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Do Solar Panels Need to be Cleaned?
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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.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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