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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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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The Living Building Challenge: Can It Really Change the World?
Feature Article
The Living Building Challenge, with its stringent, all-or-nothing requirements, is out to change the way we build. But is it actually achievable?
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The Folly of Building-Integrated Wind
Feature Article
Wind turbines on buildings could produce electricity where it's needed and catch high winds above ground level. However, wind turbulence, safety, cost, and poor performance all make building-integrated wind a limited strategy.
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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.
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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The World's Most Efficient Solar Thermal Collector?
Product Review
The Ritter XL solar thermal system combines the most efficient technology to generate hot water for commercial, multifamily, and district heating.
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Crystalline Technology Still Dominates PV Landscape
Product Review
Crystalline PV produces more energy per square foot than thin-film but both are viable systems, so consider your space limitations as well as your energy needs and budget.
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Sol Power Tile: Integrating PV into Clay Roofing
Product Review
SRS Energy's Solé Power Tiles incorporate thin-film PV into a building-integrated system that matches the profile of clay tiles and provides homeowners and businesses an alternative to crystalline panels.
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Mobile Photovoltaic Power Generators
Product Review
Mobile photovoltaic generators can provide a silent power supply for construction sites and other off-grid applications without the use of fossil fuels.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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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.
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Solar Helps Power a Campus While Engaging Students
News Analysis
Hampshire College expect its new solar arrays will save the college nearly $500,000 a year and educate the next generation of students in the process.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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