Understanding Net Zero
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Net Zero Buildings
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Poplar Network, the leader in LEED education and green building networking for professionals, shows you the logistics and benefits of a net zero building. Considering building a residential or commercial building? Minimize long-term costs with these great insights.
Transcript of Understanding Net Zero
Net Zero Buildings
Another valuable presentation from the world’s leading
green building network:
Four Names, One Meaning
Net Zero Buildings
Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs)
Zero Net Energy Buildings (ZNEBs)
NetZero Energy Buildings (NZEBs)
“Buildings that use no more energy over the course of the year than they
produce from on-site renewable sources.”
-New Buildings Institute
So are net zero buildings off-grid buildings?
So are net zero buildings off-grid buildings?NO.
Net Zero Buildings are typically connected to the grid so that they may consume energy in times of low on-site production. But, in times
of high production, they offload excess energy to the grid, thereby minimizing total,
or net, usage.
Why is “net zero” helpful?
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions3. Increased energy security
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary energy in the US.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary energy in the US.
2. Total US utility bill topped $369B in 2009.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary energy in the US.
2. Total US utility bill topped $369B in 2009.3. Buildings account for 40% of green house
gas emissions.
Source: Whole Building Design Guide
Ideal Buildings for Net Zero…
• Are low-rise one or two story buildings. • Have minimal plug and process energy
needs.• Have owners who are highly invested in
sustainability.
Ideal Buildings for Net Zero are…
• Unrefrigerated warehouses• Churches• Retail• Schools• Public assembly halls• Outpatient healthcare facilities• Certain professional offices
Getting to Zero
• High Performance Building Envelopes– Windows– Infiltration– Roof– Walls– Floor
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Getting to Zero
• Energy efficient infrastructure– Daylighting– Energy efficient HVAC– HE lighting– Cool roof– Natural vent– Hi R-value glazing
Getting to Zero
• Leveraging renewable technologies– Photovoltaic solar– Wind turbine– Geothermal– Low-impact hydropower– Biofuels– Waste-to-energy– Hydropower– RECs
ON-SITE
OFF-SITE
3 Examples to Learn More
• Net Zero Energy Modern House
• The David & Lucile Packard Foundation
• The Omega Center for Sustainable Living
Want to learn more about green building & connect with other environmental &
LEED professionals?
Become a free member of Poplar Network today!
