Zero Net Energy Buildings
Commercial and residential buildings are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings consume 40 percent of primary energy used annually in the United States and 54 percent of energy used annually in Massachusetts. Our state is working to transform energy use in old and new buildings, moving toward super-efficiency and zero net energy renovation and construction, efforts critical to slowing the harmful progress of climate change.
What is a Zero net Energy Building?
A zero net energy building (ZNEB) is one that is optimally efficient, and over the course of a year, generates energy onsite, using clean renewable resources, in a quantity equal to or greater than the total amount of energy consumed onsite. Zero net energy buildings are already being designed and constructed in Massachusetts, particularly in the residential sector. In addition to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, zero net energy buildings can provide significant cost savings for residents and businesses, and stimulate clean energy technology development and job growth in the Commonwealth.
First Major Step towards Zero Net Energy Buildings: the State Building Code
Massachusetts has adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 as its new state building code, effective January 1, 2010. This code increases energy efficiency requirements by 10 percent over the current base code. It will be amended every three years, as required by the IECC, to increase energy performance.
In May 2009, the state issued an Appendix to the IECC. The Appendix is an optional "stretch" energy code that can be adopted by municipalities to set a more stringent efficiency standard for new construction and major renovations. The "stretch code" is 20 percent more stringent than the state’s base building code energy requirements, those effective in 2010.
Cities and towns in Massachusetts that are pursuing a Green Communities designation through DOER are required to minimize the life-cycle costs for all new residential buildings over 3,000 sq. feet and all new commercial and industrial buildings. By adopting the stretch code, cities and towns can meet this requirement.
Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force
 | Governor Patrick's Zero Net Energy Buildings (ZNEB) Task Force, made up of energy and building industry professionals, released Gettin g to Zero  in March 2009. The report outlines 44 policy recommendations for new and existing buildings in the commercial and residential sectors. The Task Force's recommendations are designed to move the Commonwealth toward ZNEB construction by 2030. They fall into four broad categories: |
- Establishment of minimum performance standards based on energy use per sq/ft
- Energy use benchmarking of all buildings
- Incentives to help address regulatory and financial barriers
- Workforce development and public education initiatives
Several policy actions are currently underway to advance zero net energy buildings:
- Changes in the state’s building code
- Workforce development initiativesBuilding labeling analysis
- Design development of three prospective zero net energy state demonstration projects, including the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Headquarters, North Shore Community College, Health and Student Services Building, and the Lowell Trial Court