Achieving Net Zero Requires Innovative Thinking
The days of discouraging ‘high-risk’ behavior by system designers must end BY MARK S. LENTZ, PE, LENTZ ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WIS. If a building owner has enough money for renewable-energy systems and the space to install them, any designer can achieve net-zero performance. Achieving net-zero performance economically, however, is a different matter. Although the [...]
Zero-energy buildings: The trend continues
Zero-energy buildings: The trend continues The number of buildings that take no more energy than they provide continues to grow. The concept of a net-zero energy building isn’t exactly new. Over the past 10 years several examples have been developed around the U.S., many of which come in at well under 10,000 square feet. But, [...]
Senate Legislation Calls for Zero-Net-Energy Buildings by 2030
A Bi-Partisan Congressional Effort Lands the 2030 Challenge Targets Back on the Senate Floor The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 was introduced yesterday by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The bill places meeting the 2030 Challenge target of zero-net-energy for new buildings by 2030 as the first item in a comprehensive strategy for U.S. energy reductions in [...]
