Select your language

U.S. Announces Definition of Zero-Emission Building

Estados Unidos anuncia una definición de edificio con cero emisiones

United States. The new definition announced by the Department of Energy was welcomed by organizations such as ASHRAE and will provide guidance to the construction industry to move toward zero emissions.

There are nearly 130 million existing buildings in the United States, which together cost more than $400 billion a year in heating, cooling, lighting and power, and 40 million new homes and 60 billion square feet of commercial space are expected to be built between now and 2050.

"The National Definition of Zero-Emission Building will support the sector as it advances innovative solutions essential to creating resilient communities and high-quality jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "With today's announcement, the Department of Energy is helping to provide clarity to our public and private sector partners to support decarbonization efforts and drive investment, paving the way for the cutting-edge clean energy technologies we need to make America's buildings more comfortable and affordable."

One in four American households (and 50% of low-income households) struggle to pay their energy bills. Establishing a coherent definition of a zero-emission building will accelerate climate progress while also reducing energy bills for households and businesses. In addition, the definition of zero emissions provides certainty and clarity to the market to scale up new construction and retrofits with zero emissions.

- Publicidad -

Earlier this year, the DOE laid out a plan to reduce emissions from U.S. buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. Significant technical advances in energy efficiency, heat pumps, and clean energy mean that new and existing buildings can help the nation achieve zero emissions, while ensuring domestic manufacturing of the low-carbon technologies and materials needed for these next-generation buildings.

In addition, the construction sector can connect to a grid that is rapidly becoming cleaner and help improve climate resilience. Buildings can be constructed and retrofitted to use a fraction of the energy they previously consumed.

Part 1 of the definition establishes criteria for determining that a building generates zero emissions from the use of energy in building operations. According to the definition, at a minimum, a zero-emission building must be energy efficient, free of on-site emissions from energy use, and run solely on clean energy. Future parts of this definition may address embodied carbon emissions (production, transportation, installation, and disposal of building materials) and additional considerations.

The Definition is not a regulatory standard or a certification. It is a guide that public and private entities can adopt to determine if a building has zero emissions from operational energy use. The definition is not a substitute for the sustainable building and energy efficiency standards and certifications that have been developed by public and private parties.


No comments

• If you're already registered, please log in first. Your email will not be published.

Leave your comment

In reply to Some User
Mabe to invest $668 million in Mexico through 2027, despite tariffs

Mabe to invest $668 million in Mexico through 2027, despite tariffs

Mexico. The multinational Mabe announced an investment of 668 million dollars in Mexico between 2025 and 2027, regardless of the tariffs imposed by the United States.

HVAC Latam signs exclusive distribution agreement with Attom

HVAC Latam signs exclusive distribution agreement with Attom

Mexico. HVAC Latam announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Attom, a Chinese manufacturer specializing in technologies for data centers and key sectors.

Samsung launches new solutions under the slogan

Samsung launches new solutions under the slogan "Connected Flow"

International. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agriculture announced the launch of its new HVAC solutions, designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and...

Registration opens for the contest

Registration opens for the contest "Women in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 2025"

Chile. The Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment announced the opening of registrations for the contest "Women in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 2025".

Fraunhofer advances in compressor-free heat pumps

Fraunhofer advances in compressor-free heat pumps

Germany. Fraunhofer has taken a big step towards the development of highly efficient, compressor-free solid-state heat pumps.

Technology and sustainability transform refrigerated transport

Technology and sustainability transform refrigerated transport

Colombia. The refrigerated transport industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable model with the adoption of new technologies that optimize energy consumption, reduce costs and...

Comfort and efficiency redefined: AI-powered air conditioning for the home

Comfort and efficiency redefined: AI-powered air conditioning for the home

International. LG Electronics introduces ARTCOOL™ AI Air, an advanced solution designed with predictive AI to deliver indoor comfort.

Carrier and Google Cloud Boost Energy Resilience with AI

Carrier and Google Cloud Boost Energy Resilience with AI

United States. Carrier Global Corporation, a smart climate and energy solutions company, and Google Cloud have joined forces to improve the flexibility of the electric grid and promote more...

PHCC Expands Online Educational Offerings for HVACR Professionals

PHCC Expands Online Educational Offerings for HVACR Professionals

United States. The National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Refrigeration Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation has bolstered its online training program with new courses designed to...

Comfort without noise: The Kimpton Grand Roatan's commitment to efficient air conditioning

Comfort without noise: The Kimpton Grand Roatan's commitment to efficient air conditioning

Honduras. With an absolute commitment to comfort and efficiency, this exclusive resort has implemented Mitsubishi Electric's CityMulti VRF systems, guaranteeing a quiet and perfectly air-conditioned...

Free Subscription
Remember Me
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
DO YOU NEED A SERVICE OR PRODUCT QUOTE?
LASTEST INTERVIEWS
SITE SPONSORS










LASTEST NEWSLETTER
Ultimo Info-Boletin