The trend towards increasing energy efficiency in commercial buildings has resulted in a substantial reduction of carbon emissions, which are major contributors to air pollution across the nation. In 2015 alone over 25,000 businesses were able offset 17 metric tons worth greenhouse gases using certification from EPA EnergyStar program-a measure equitable to providing enough power for 2 million homes.
What is Zero-Net Energy
But now commercial building owners are being tasked to take energy efficiency one step further with the introduction of a new zero-net initiative. The net-zero or ZNE buildings require total annual production from renewable sources, which neutralizes consumption levels in order for these structures achieve their goal: becoming self-sufficient and providing clean air year-round. With the success of EnergyStar, LEED and similar energy-efficient construction models that have eliminated so much greenhouse gases from our environment – some people are wondering if zero net buildings may not be necessary.
There’s a number reasons why this is an important question to ask: firstly because commercial space in America has been on an annual growth trajectory for over 20 years now with no signs of slowing down; secondly considering how quickly technology improves (new advances happen every day), developers will soon develop more efficient ways than ever before while still providing all those same benefits we love about today’s building technologies such as insulation.
The Construction of A Zero-Net Building is A Simple Two-Phase Process:
The first phase in building green is all about making sure you have the most energy efficient materials and appliances possible. If your goal, for example, is LEED certification then make sure that these choices are right for your project. ZNE can help you incorporate onsite renewable energy generation. This would include the use of wind, solar and hydro systems as well as a combination thereof to generate enough sustainable power for your building’s needs without relying solely on fossil fuels or imported electricity from other countries with unstable supplies.
Zero-Net Energy Building Benefits
The benefits of ZNE buildings are numerous. They can help to reduce air pollution, promote healthy environments for employees and residents alike as well as be cost-effective in their electricity use with a minimal contribution from taxpayers or utility companies who typically provide these resources. Not only are there savings in energy costs and maintenance, but HVAC systems work smarter too. Commercial buildings consume plenty of water, too. By reducing consumption and improving efficiency in the building’s plumbing systems you can save a lot on your utility bill.
The Future of ZNE Buildings
It turns out that many new buildings are now considered “zero net energy“, which means they produce as much power for the building itself than it consumes over time and year-long tests! This is an amazing feat considering how efficient today’s technology has become with solar panels, wind turbines etc., not mention all those nifty features you can find at your local home improvement store like insulation made from recycled materials or heat pumps used for heating AND cooling without using fossil fuels – just another reminder about why ecofriendly living isn’t only good policy but also saves money every month on bills. Walgreens is building the first net zero retail store in America! It’s projected to consume approximately 200 KwH electricity each year, but will offset that by generating over 256KwH through a combination of wind and solar energy.
