California is currently on target for requiring Zero Net Energy (ZNE) performance from all new residential construction by 2020, and new commercial construction by 2030. While just how the State of California will define ZNE is still being finalized (see our blog “Defining ZNE - Not As Easy as You Think!”), the technologies and design features to make your next project energy self-sufficient are available today.
Defining ZNE – Not as Easy as You think!
As more projects are pursuing zero net energy, the details of defining ZNE are becoming more critical, and trickier. Are we achieving net zero in terms of kilowatt hours or cost of energy? Will the metric be time dependant modeled energy performance or a full year of actual data? Is natural gas ‘allowed’ in a ZNE project if it is offset?
Net Positive Energy + Water Conference 2016
The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) recently convened its third annual Net Positive Energy + Water Conference. Hosted this year in San Diego, the event included presentations on cutting edge technologies for energy and water savings, offered case studies from certified and ongoing Net Positive projects, and addressed policy challenges for implementation.