Poplar Network, the leader in LEED education and green building networking for professionals, shows you the logistics and benefits of a net zero building. Considering building a residential or commercial building? Minimize long-term costs with these great insights.

1. Net Zero Buildings

3. Four Names, One Meaning
Net Zero Buildings
Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs)
Zero Net Energy Buildings (ZNEBs)
NetZero Energy Buildings (NZEBs)

4. “Buildings that use no more energy
over the course of the year than they
produce from on-site renewable
sources.”
-New Buildings Institute

6. So are net zero buildings
off-grid buildings?

7. So are net zero buildings
off-grid buildings?

8. Net Zero Buildings are typically connected to
the grid so that they may consume energy in
times of low on-site production. But, in times
of high production, they offload excess
energy to the grid, thereby minimizing total,
or net, usage.

9. Why is “net zero” helpful?

10. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost

11. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost
2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

12. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Reduced energy consumption and cost
2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
3. Increased energy security

14. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary
energy in the US.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

15. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary
energy in the US.
2. Total US utility bill topped $369B in 2009.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

16. Why is “net zero” helpful?
1. Buildings consume 40% of primary
energy in the US.
2. Total US utility bill topped $369B in 2009.
3. Buildings account for 40% of green house
gas emissions.
Source: Whole Building Design Guide

17. Ideal Buildings for Net Zero…
• Are low-rise one or two story buildings.
• Have minimal plug and process energy
needs.
• Have owners who are highly invested in
sustainability.

18. Ideal Buildings for Net Zero are…
• Unrefrigerated warehouses
• Churches
• Retail
• Schools
• Public assembly halls
• Outpatient healthcare facilities
• Certain professional offices

19. Getting to Zero
• High Performance Building Envelopes
– Windows
– Infiltration
– Roof
– Walls
– Floor
PhotoSource:EPA

20. Getting to Zero
• Energy efficient infrastructure
– Daylighting
– Energy efficient HVAC
– HE lighting
– Cool roof
– Natural vent
– Hi R-value glazing

21. Getting to Zero
• Leveraging renewable technologies
– Photovoltaic solar
– Wind turbine
– Geothermal
– Low-impact hydropower
– Biofuels
– Waste-to-energy
– Hydropower
– RECs
ON-SITE
OFF-SITE

22. 3 Examples to Learn More
• Net Zero Energy Modern House
• The David & Lucile Packard Foundation
• The Omega Center for Sustainable Living