Why Should Your Building Be “Net Zero”?

A Net Zero Energy (NZE) building, “balances its energy needs with energy produced from renewable, zero-emission sources” (SF Tool). These types of buildings are rapidly becoming much more common in the United States, so no; it’s not just a phase.

Competition of NZE

NZE housing and commercial buildings are increasing in popularity, often providing “bragging rights” between neighbors and CEOs as to who is “greener”. This is especially applicable to larger buildings, which often invest so much into energy efficiency and energy harvesting.

Branding your building, and therefore your company, as an environmentally friendly building can also carry great social benefit. Not only are you seen as more transparent, but your company standing is elevated in the eyes of the many citizens of the US (and the world) who believe in making the world greener. You want your company to be seen as “doing its part” to make the world a better and more sustainable place.

Legislation popularizing NZE

State and local governments are increasing both energy and water efficiency standards, so there is no reason to design, order materials for, and construct a traditional building that wastes valuable resources–and may need to be upgraded in just a few short years.

Energy conscious regulations are being enforced to change building codes and change our acceptance of inefficient buildings. Constructing a traditional building will only create unnecessary future expenses and missed opportunities.

As of now, West Virginia has the fewest legislative mandates– 15. All other states have over twice as many, with California, Minnesota, and Texas leading the way, at more than 150 regulations each. These mandates result in more and more NZE homes, buildings, and communities.

Why start now?

The decision to go “Net Zero” is not just for environmentally friendly reasons anymore – although, that’s certainly a great reason! These decisions are also very economically focused, saving building owners and tenants’ money on energy costs, saving facility managers’ time and budgets, and saving the environment by reducing pollution.

The future is important! Whether your focus is the environment, CapEx and OpEx savings or your corporate reputation, you probably also care about

• Paying lower energy bills
• Not being penalized by city and county codes
• Lowering maintenance costs
• Minimizing repair and maintenance costs
• Maintaining the overall health of your building and occupants

These are all big reasons for building or remodeling to NZE standards.

Act now so you don’t have to spend as much in the future!