ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL.—“Zero and Net-zero Energy Buildings + Homes,” a 64-page white paper that proclaims “the next frontier in the green building movement,” is now available online from Building Design+Construction. The 40,000-word report provides a road map for the U.S./Canadian design, construction, and real estate industry to develop “net-zero” buildings and homes—energy-efficient, affordable structures that generate as much energy as they use.
“Ready or not, the U.S. design and construction industry is about to embark on an exciting journey: the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes,” says Robert Cassidy, the publication’s editorial director.
Commercial buildings consume 19 percent of the nation’s energy; homes consume 20 percent. In the report, industry experts provide case studies of completed net-zero energy buildings, notably the Research Support Facility at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo.
Business Case for ‘Net-Zero’
The white paper offers detailed information on energy-conservation technologies and renewable energy strategies, as well as the “business case” for net-zero buildings and proposed building and energy codes and standards for such structures. A prototype “net-zero carbon” building, designed to produce no greenhouse gas emissions, is also presented.
The white paper concludes with a 21-point “Action Plan”—specific recommendations for action by government officials, utilities, building owners, developers, universities, design and construction firms, and the public to encourage development of new and reconstructed net-zero energy buildings and homes.
The report encourages Federal agencies—notably the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration—to lead the way in net-zero energy demonstration projects and building technology research.
“The stakes are high,” says the report, citing a Federal goal of net-zero energy use for all new commercial buildings by 2030.
The White Paper, along with seven previous reports devoted to green building, is available free at www.BDCnetwork.com/whitepapers.
