DOE Defines What Makes a “Zero Emissions Building”

Washington, DC - Today, the Department of Energy released its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building, which provides clear, certifiable criteria to designate clean buildings. A building can be certified as “zero emissions” through a verification process by third-party, licensed contractors. 

According to the new definition, a building must be highly energy efficient, free of on-site emissions from energy use, and powered solely from clean energy to qualify as having zero emissions. What constitutes “highly efficient” varies based on whether it is an existing building or new construction.

This definition is an important step to reduce building pollution and energy waste, especially in conjunction with recent efforts by DOE to improve the efficiency of a slate of home appliances. The Zero Emissions Building Definition is not an enforceable standard, though, and more can be done to reduce harmful outdoor pollution from all buildings. 

In response, Sierra Club Building Electrification Campaign Director Amneh Minkara released the following statement: 

“There is growing awareness of the fact that our homes and offices are major contributors to pollution that harms the climate and our health. With that wider education comes increased demand for clean buildings. Defining what makes a building “zero emissions” will give consumers certainty that when builders or sellers say a building is clean that it actually meets a specific set of criteria. This is the latest positive step by the Biden administration to send a signal to the market that will create jobs and expand access to clean electricity and affordable energy-efficient technology. There’s more work to do, and we’re glad to see DOE moving in the right direction.”

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