Developing the Next Generation of Net Zero Professionals through the Race to Zero: Preprint

The U.S. Department of Energy Race to Zero inspires collegiate students to become the next generation of building science professionals through a zero energy ready buildings design challenge. As industry looks to close the gap to more net zero energy construction, Race to Zero teams are tasked with exploring how to apply net zero across climates both nationally and internationally. For the past four annual competition events, teams developed comprehensive, integrated residential designs with industry partners that are market-ready and innovative. While each team addressed home design differently through upgrades to existing production builder plans, new developments to meet community needs, or existing building renovations and retrofits, the competition requires their solutions meet zero energy ready residential standards.