A Zero Emissions Building Definition

In any project, any goal, definitions are critical. If you don’t have them, it’s like wanting to travel from one part of the country to another but not knowing where you are now and the location of your destination.

This is why the Department of Energy’s announcement of a national definition of a zero-emissions building is so important. When there is pressure for CRE property owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, those owners want to know when they might arrive.

There have been private definitions of building energy efficiency, but then there is the question of which to use. A national standard means everyone can point to a single standard to avoid disputes over which building definition might be in play.

“The National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building will support the sector as it advances innovative solutions essential to creating resilient communities and high-quality jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm in prepared remarks. “With today’s announcement, DOE is helping bring clarity to our public and private sector partners to support decarbonization efforts and drive investment — paving the way for the cutting-edge clean energy technologies we need to make America’s buildings more comfortable and affordable.”

“There are nearly 130 million existing buildings in the United States, which collectively cost over $400 billion a year to heat, cool, light, and power, with 40 million new homes and 60 billion square feet of commercial floorspace expected to be constructed between now and 2050,” the DOE said. “One in four American households—and 50% of low-income households—struggle to pay their energy bills. Establishing a consistent definition for a zero-emissions building will accelerate climate progress, while lowering home and business energy bills. Additionally, the zero emissions definition provides market certainty and clarity to scale zero emissions new construction and retrofits.”

In April, the DOE finalized efficiency standards on multiple product types that will eventually affect commercial real estate, although not for a few years. They will apply to new products and do not require wholesale retrofitting.

According to the DOE, the U.S. has nearly 130 million existing buildings, which collectively cost over $400 billion a year to heat, cool, light, and power. Between now and 2050, there are an estimated 40 million new homes and 60 billion square feet of commercial floor space expected to be constructed.

“Establishing a consistent definition for a zero-emissions building will accelerate climate progress, while lowering home and business energy bills. Additionally, the zero emissions definition provides market certainty and clarity to scale zero emissions new construction and retrofits.”