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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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.
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Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings
Feature Article
Nanotechnology takes advantage of the novel properties that particles can exhibit at a billionth of a meter in size. Those properties are being used in building materials, where they can improve thermal performance and the effectiveness of photovoltaics, among many possibilities. The field has little regulation, however, despite significant health and environmental concerns.
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The Challenge of Existing Homes: Retrofitting for Dramatic Energy Savings
Feature Article
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with residential energy use account for a fifth of all emissions in the U.S. Retrofitting existing houses to achieve a two- to three-fold reduction in energy use is necessary if we are to achieve the emissions reductions scientists say are required for avoiding catastrophic climate change. Here's a look at how it can be done.
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In the Pipeline: District Energy and Green Building
Feature Article
Very common in northern Europe, district energy systems use a network of buried, insulated pipes to distribute centrally produced steam, hot water, or chilled water to heat or cool multiple buildings. These systems can make use of waste heat from power generation (combined heat and power) or renewable fuel sources to help reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and communities.
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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Measuring Solar Access with the Solmetric SunEye
Product Review
The SunEye is an easy-to-use, digital tool for measuring solar shading and calculating daily and monthly solar access on building sites.
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Climate Energy Brings Combined Heat and Power Home
Product Review
The idea of combining electricity generation with the production of useful heat-referred to as combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration-has long been attractive. Now, after many false starts, a viable residential-scale CHP system is about to enter the market.
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Wind Turbines on the Parapet
Product Review
AeroVironment, Inc., is introducing a new approach to small-scale wind generation that takes advantage of the rush of wind as it crests a building's facade.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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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.
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Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imported Solar Panels
News Brief
The Solar Energy Industry Association says tariffs will cost 23,000 jobs.
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Solar Industry Awaits President’s Decision on Tariffs
News Brief
Opponents say trade barriers on solar cells and panels would eliminate jobs and curb the growth of solar energy in the U.S.
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Petal Certifications Help the Living Building Challenge Jump in Scale
News Brief
With recent and upcoming certifications, the Living Building Challenge breaks out of its boutique building typology.
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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