Exploding global population numbers and worries about escalating energy prices, climate change, and energy independence have placed a priority on net-zero building. This article explores the viability of net-zero communities and cities.
"While some net-zero homes have been a reality for several years, it’s the commercial projects and communities that are getting the most attention as they will have a profound impact over time. The nation’s largest net-zero commercial building is located in Greater Los Angeles and was dedicated in June 2016. This 144,000 square-foot building will serve as both a living laboratory and demonstration center to showcase energy-efficient design techniques and clean energy technologies."
"Now that we know how to construct net-zero buildings, the next move is towards entire towns and cities. Perhaps a lofty goal but some communities are well on their way towards its achievement. Sacramento, CA currently has the most net-zero buildings of any city in the country. Despite this, the California state capital would have a long way to travel to reach total net-zero status as a city. However, the small community of Cambridge, MA is working on total net-zero zoning as a city. This is a long-term project that calls for a 70 percent reduction in building emissions by 2040."
"As technology and design techniques continue to improve, the net-zero movement is expected to pick up pace. While cost is a current challenge with these projects, further advances in coming years should make many of these solutions more attainable for both small and large-scale net-zero projects.
Read the full story: Is Net-Zero Building Realistic on a Large Scale?
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority