A Defining Moment: DOE’s Zero Emissions Building Standard Sets a Milestone for Net Zero Climate Ambitions in the U.S. and Beyond

The real estate sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for over 30% of U.S. emissions and 40% globally. Although the drive towards net-zero buildings is growing, the lack of a clear definition has slowed progress.

To address this, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a national definition of a zero emissions building, setting clear criteria: buildings must be highly energy-efficient, free of onsite emissions from energy use, and powered solely by clean energy. This initiative aims to reduce building emissions, transition equipment from fossil-fuel based to electric, and procure clean energy, excluding embodied carbon or refrigerant emissions.

The standardized DOE definition is intended to give confidence to investors, lenders, and tenants. Further incentives for clean energy buildings will develop as this definition is incorporated into policy.

Complementing this effort, the DOE unveiled a blueprint for transitioning commercial and residential buildings towards zero emissions, using advancements in energy efficiency, heat pumps, and clean energy. Implementing this guidance can significantly reduce buildings’ carbon footprints, enhance climate resiliency, lower energy expenses, and support national climate goals.

The DOE’s decarbonization plan facilitates its goal of reducing U.S. building emissions by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050.

A standardized definition also enables the scaling of zero emissions construction and retrofits. With nearly 130 million existing buildings in the U.S. and significant new construction projected by 2050, property owners and landlords play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development and construction practices. Part 1 of the definition establishes minimum standards for determining that a building generates zero emissions from energy use in its operations. Although not a regulatory standard or certification, this definition provides essential guidance for qualifying zero emissions from operational energy use, with future updates potentially including embodied carbon considerations. Eight major green building certification programs in the U.S. have already committed to integrating this zero emissions definition into their certification.

The federal government plans to mandate net-zero emissions buildings in its leasing requirements by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045. This presents a prime opportunity for owners and landlords to invest in energy-saving projects and property upgrades, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable buildings.

The DOE’s National Definition of Zero Emissions Buildings signals to the market that building performance expectations now include these requirements, accelerating the shift towards next-generation clean energy buildings. As stakeholders adopt these principles, the positive environmental impact is expected to extend beyond the U.S., potentially inspiring global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

Turn to Weaver for Assistance

Weaver provides support for clients in decarbonization strategy, emissions reporting, and data assurance, all of which are essential to ensure regulatory compliance and achieve the goal of net zero emissions. Leveraging the technical knowledge of our in-house engineers, we provide accurate and reliable emissions data to support sustainability and energy-efficient initiatives.

Our comprehensive services surpass mere compliance by offering data assurance and tailored decarbonization strategies that consider the specific business case in each scenario. Understanding the challenges and needs of the real estate industry, our ESG Strategy and Consulting team provides actionable insights and innovative solutions to help you cultivate a stronger business foundation centered around green building principles.

Partner with Weaver to unlock the full potential of your sustainability initiatives, optimizing their value and scalability while working towards a future of net zero emissions. Contact us for more information.

©2024