Building codes are the nerdy superheroes that will help us stop the worst impacts of climate change. Local and state governments across the U.S. are beginning to recognize that every new building will use energy for decades and must be as efficient as possible.

If you design, build or are otherwise involved in a new zero energy home or building, the Net Zero Energy Coalition wants to hear from you. They have been tracking the significant growth of zero energy buildings for several years. In 2017, there were 70% more projects than a year earlier. Submit your project for the annual inventory and be counted!

A zero carbon economy is possible in four steps.

A Colorado project shows how a PACE loan changed the calculus of energy efficiency investments for one leaseed commercial complex. Energy savings for this project exceed the payments, so property owners and tenants are cash flow positive immediately.

Property sellers and buyers tend to agree that energy efficient buildings are worth more. Getting that value in the market has been another story. Green appraisal consultant, James Finlay, offers a primer for property owners of high-performance real estate to prepare for them for accurate appraisals.

The time is now for zero energy commercial buildings. To that end, Architecture 2030 has developed a new international building code for commercial buildings allows jurisdictions in North America and beyond to establish zero energy as the new standard.