Department of Energy (DOE) released Part One of its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building: Operational Emissions from Energy Use, Version 1. The definition provides support for the transition of new and existing residential and commercial buildings toward zero emissions.

The new definition sets criteria only for operational emissions from buildings, and omits
the emissions released from production, transportation, installation, and disposal of building materials. DOE notes that it intends to periodically reevaluate the requirements for each Part of the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building and potentially revise the criteria based on the market’s response and the advancement of energy efficiency, clean energy, and low carbon activity in the building sector.

Download the full document published by DOE >