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Getting to Zero National Forum Kicks Off with Architecture 2030's Ed Mazria Sharing Vision for Zero Energy Buildings


 

Washington, D.C. — Feb. 2, 2015 — The 2015 Getting to Zero National Forum officially opened with keynote speaker Ed Mazria, founder and CEO of Architecture 2030, calling for building and energy industry professionals to make zero energy buildings a broad-scale reality in the next few decades.

“Worldwide, between now and 2030, there will be a growth of 900 billion square feet in new and renovated building construction. That represents 60 percent of today’s built environment or equivalent to building New York City every 35 days,” Mazria said in his address, underscoring why immediate action is urgently needed.

Over 250 delegates gathered this week to examine the growth in zero energy building projects across North America and strategize on the policies, programs, and practices that will drive further momentum.

The event was co-hosted by New Buildings Institute (NBI), the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).

Zero energy buildings are extremely efficient structures that consume only as much energy as can be produced onsite through clean, renewable resources. Buildings contribute nearly 40 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States and are being targeted as a critical solution to curbing climate impacts from carbon. 

New research has demonstrated the feasibility of zero energy performance in many building types across most climates and documented market growth. The most recent count by NBI of verified and emerging projects is 29 and 152, respectively, for a total of 181 — more than triple the count just three years ago.

Verified projects have reported 12 months of energy use and renewable production data. Emerging projects are either under construction or do not yet have 12 months of data. 

Another 53 projects have been verified as having exemplary energy performance on par with zero energy buildings, but are not actively working to achieve zero energy status.

View the full list of projects here.

  

 





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