Department of Energy Announces
P2S Article
Department of Energy Announces
“ National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building ”
On June 6th the U . S Department of Energy ( DOE ) released a standardized , verifiable basis for defining a zero emissions building . The National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building : Part 1 Operating Emissions is a comprehensive guideline to provide a broadly accepted minimum standard for what constitutes a zero emissions building . By setting clear and measurable criteria , this definition offers a harmonized approach guiding public and private entities in transitioning the building sector , which accounts for more than onethird of total U . S . greenhouse gas emissions , towards zero greenhouse gas emissions .
P2S Chief Engineer Kent Peterson , who chairs the ASHRAE Task Force for Building Decarbonization said that “ The National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building provides a clear market signal and consistent target , supported by measurable data , to propel the building sector towards a zero-greenhouse gas emission future .” While the DOE said in a statement that the “ new definition will help the nation achieve clean energy and climate goals while lowering energy costs , cutting air pollution , and creating goodpaying jobs ”.
To ensure compliance , the definition includes detailed methods of measurement and verification . For existing buildings , criteria such as ENERGY STAR scores or measured whole-building energy use intensity are utilized , while new constructions must meet stringent energy efficiency and clean energy standards .
While Part 1 of the definition focuses on operational emissions , Part 2 will address embodied carbon and refrigerant impacts . These elements are crucial in fully transitioning the building sector to zero emissions .
The National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building will be embedded in nearly every green building certification , adopted by leading investors , and utilized in federal programs .
Part 1 of the definition , focusing on Operating Emissions , outlines three fundamental criteria for zero emissions buildings :
• Highly energy efficient : Buildings must demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency , placing them among the top performers in the market or achieving significant reductions in energy use compared to model codes .
• Free of on-site emissions from energy use : Zero emissions buildings must eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions from on-site energy consumption .
• Powered solely from clean energy : All energy the building uses must come from carbon-free sources , whether generated on-site or procured from off-site sources .
4 P2S EXTERNAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024