Zero energy (ZE) and zero carbon (ZC) buildings are becoming the new standard for achieving significant energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment.

• A zero energy building is an ultra-efficient buildings that produces as much renewable energy as it consumes over the course of a year.

• A zero carbon building is defined as one that is highly energy-efficient and produces onsite, or procures, carbon-free renewable energy in an amount sufficient to offset the annual carbon emissions associated with operations.

New Buildings Institute maintains the Getting to Zero Buildings Database, the most comprehensive list of net zero commercial buildings in North America.

They are currently tracking 700+ buildings.

visit the database

The Zero Energy Communications Toolkit

This Toolkit provides more information about the fundamentals of zero energy, including:

Answers to commonly asked questions about zero energy

Messaging for consistent communications around this ultra-efficiency goal

Support for advocates to advance zero energy

A guide for getting to zero terminology

Introduction to Zero Energy Documents:

• Zero Energy Project Guide
• Getting to Zero Buildings Database
• Zero Energy Schools Stakeholder and Engagement Messaging
• NREL Cost Control Strategies for Zero Energy Buildings
• Residential Zero Net Energy Primer

Blogs about Important Zero Energy Topics:

• The Zero Energy Buildings Count is Growing
• ZE Building Titans Build Market Demand
• The Financial Benefits of Zero Energy Homes
• Technologies for Getting to Zero
• Energy and Carbon Reduction Goals Converge