Climate Solutions
Zero Net Energy Buildings
WHAT IS A ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDING?
A zero net energy home is one that produces as much energy on site as it uses, as measured on an annual basis. These homes utilize the most energy efficient building methods coupled with clean, renewable technologies to produce energy. In spite of producing their own energy, net zero homes are not detached from the grid. At times when the building is generating excess power it is fed back to the utility and when its not yielding enough energy the home will take from the grid what is needed, averaging out to zero usage.
WHY ARE ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDINGS NEEDED?
Buildings consume energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meaning they are always emitting greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and always running up utility bills. In fact, today in the United States, buildings account for a greater amount of greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector. Even if you were to lock up your house, leave town for a month and turn off every light and disconnect every appliance in your home, you’d still have a bill at the end of the month.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS OF ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDINGS?
Putting money back in the pockets of consumers will lend a helping hand to local economies because many of those dollars are cycled back in. Meanwhile we reduce peak demand, decreasing the likelihood of rolling blackouts like we saw here in California back in 2000. In addition, the construction of zero net energy buildings results in green jobs that can be filled by skilled workers who are not on traditional construction projects. These buildings will also require new energy efficient technologies spurring market growth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDINGS
Global Green's work on Zero Energy Affordable Housing
NY Times Article "Home Green Home: Affordable Efficiency?"
Powerpoint Presentation on Zero Net Energy Buildings
Powerpoint Presentation on Grupe Homes by U.S Dept of Energy
WHAT IS GLOBAL GREEN DOING TO PROMOTE ZERO NET ENERGY CONSTRUCTION?
Global Green is sponsoring California legislation Assenbly Bill 212, the Residential Buildings Zero Net Energy Bill. The bill, authored by Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D- San Diego), will require all new residential buildings to be net zero energy beginning in the year 2020.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASSEMBLY BILL 212
April 14, 2009 Press Release: Green Buildings Bill Passes First Hurdle
CURRENT AB212 SUPPORTERS
Global Green (Sponsor) Coalition for Clean Air
Environmental Defense Fund Clean Power Campaign (CEERT)
Environment CA Applied Materials
Oerlikon Solar American Lung Association of CA
Planning & Conservation League Sharp Solar Electricity
Sierra Club Friends of the Earth
Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) Energy Eye, Inc.
Pacific Environment Eco Timber
Kyoto USA Breathe California
Building Green Futures, Inc. California Oaks Foundation
Go Green Rehab Modern Earth Finance
National Wildlife Federation Critchfield Construction
USGBC LA USGBC California Central Coast
AirTest Technologies Community Environmental Council
Drew Maran Construction Bradco Kitchens & Baths
Vote Solar East Bay Municipal Utility District
AFSCME All4-GP
The Energy Coalition Earthlite ILS
Community Environmental Council
North American Insulation Manufacturers Assoc. (NAIMA)
