Net-Zero Energy & Renewables
With alternative energy sources becoming more affordable, we are finally starting to wean ourselves off fossil fuels.
But as the industry expands, there are some growing pains. These systems open up new ways of thinking about our relationship to energy production and consumption, and they impact rating systems such as LEED and Passive House.
The resources found here provide guidance and a better understanding of topics like:
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net-zero energy
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thermal energy storage
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innovative battery systems
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fuel cells
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community solar
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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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.
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The Secret Math Behind RMI’s New Headquarters
Feature Short
Designing for net-zero energy and carbon in the nation’s coldest climate is not just a physics problem. There’s also the chemistry.
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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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.
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Brock Environmental Center Vindicates Onsite Wind Generation
News Brief
The Brock project team achieved Living Building Challenge certification and survived to tell this story.
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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