Energy Department announces national definition of a zero emissions building

Today the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a national definition of a zero-emissions building that will help advance efforts to decarbonize the buildings sector. Energy use in buildings is responsible for one-third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

While the guidelines are not a rule, the agency hopes this new guideline will send a strong market signal to help the nation reduce global warming pollution from the building sector  65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.

“Definitions matter,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “A clear, consistent, and measurable framework for defining zero-emissions buildings will help efficient buildings that run on renewable energy become the norm in America.”