Search
 

Zero Net Energy In High Rise, Lofty Goal?

PALO ALTO, CA-Critics suggest that the limited number of zero net energy buildings foreshadow the impossibility of achieving any significant measure of success; however, the foregoing challenges should not be viewed as the death knell to zero net energy for high rise commercial buildings.

By Michael C. Polentz, co-chair of the real estate & land use practice group at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP | Updated on November 15, 2013

PALO ALTO, CA-Let’s start with the premise that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings account for 35% of US (and 40% of Global) electricity consumption.  Then, add on a regulatory structure in which the President is calling for a 20% reduction in energy consumption and a state (California for example) challenging (or possibly mandating) that all new commercial buildings be “zero net energy” by 2030 as a means to curb the adverse impacts of climate change. Finally, (and assuming I have not lost everyone), take a deep breath and consider the relatively benign question of how do we possibly get there?

“Zero net energy,” “net-zero buildings,” “zero net energy buildings” and a few other technical classifications all have a common foundation in designing, constructing and operating commercial buildings with substantial efficiencies that use no more energy over the course of a year than they produce from on-site renewable sources. Without disputing the veracity of the climate change debate (or the political issues associated therewith), few would argue (credibly at least) that energy reduction is not a lofty goal. Achieving this goal on any measureable scale, however, is not an easy task.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.