Abundant, Affordable, Climate-Friendly Homes: What Part 1 of the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building Means for Housing

This week, the US Department of Energy (DOE) finalized Part 1 of a national definition of a zero emissions building, focused on operational carbon emissions. The long-anticipated definition includes three key criteria: energy efficiency, no on-site emissions, and all-clean power sources. Buildings following the definition will improve peoples’ health and safety by providing cleaner air to breathe, lower energy costs through efficiency and smart design, and protect the climate by eschewing harmful materials and practices. DOE has indicated that future iterations will aim to address embodied carbon as well.