Focus: Energy Efficiency

Net-zero energy buildings no longer a radical concept

A wide range of building types and sizes can achieve net-zero status


Today the goal of net-zero energy buildings, districts, and communities is now financially realistic for many project types, sizes, and contexts, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website. 

Increasingly stringent building codes, the decreasing cost of photovoltaics, innovative green financing mechanisms, new frameworks to guide the design process from benchmarking to completion such as Zero Tool, Zero Code, and 2030 Palette, and technologies bringing net-zero buildings into the smart building space, such as fault detection and diagnostics, all make this possible. 

As a result, we are now building not just net-zero energy, but net-zero carbon buildings, and the goal of net-positive isn’t far off. Whatever the details of the mathematical equation (zero or positive, energy or carbon), the most significant lesson learned from a decade of net zero is that the effort doesn’t stop at the ribbon cutting. 

The most important phase in a net-zero energy building starts when people move in. A net-zero energy building is an operational goal in addition to a design and construction framework. Leveraging basic principles of integrated design, advanced technologies such as parametric analysis, and elevating the role of post-occupancy commissioning are key to its success.

Read the article.



April 16, 2019


Topic Area: Energy Efficiency


Recent Posts

Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design

How a 20th Century industrial building became a safe space for youth seeking mental health support.


Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health

Following the close, expected November 1, 2026, the centers will operate under Prisma Health Urgent Care.


Modoc Medical Center Discloses Data Breach

Modoc reported the event to federal law enforcement and appropriate government regulators.


Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.