Getting to Net Zero

An overview of the Department of Energy (DOE's) efforts toward realizing cost- effective net zero energy buildings (NZEB) has been reported. Building owners and tenants realize attractive returns on their NZEB investments while reducing carbon footprints. NZEB can be constructed cost effectively, providing productive environments for occupants, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of commercial properties. Utilities are concerned about how large scale applications of NZEB will affect grid stability. The energy storage integration, flatter load profiles, and with better load factors, utilities will be much more agreeable to the concept of large numbers of buildings with significant on-site generation capacity. DOE has set up goal to create the technology and knowledge base for cost-effective net zero energy commercial buildings by 2025.