The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building—a building that is highly energy efficient, does not emit greenhouse gases directly from energy use, and is powered solely by clean energy.

Residential and commercial buildings are among the largest sources of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, responsible for more than one-third of total U.S. emissions. DOE’s Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector outlines a strategy to reduce U.S. building emissions 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050 while delivering equity, affordability, and resilience to communities.

The standardized, consistent, and measurable minimum criteria set forth in the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building will support the buildings sector moving toward zero emissions and advance public- and private-sector climate goals.

See the definition