What are net-zero emissions buildings?

The Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) is helping accelerate the transition to buildings that are energy efficient, free of on-site emissions and powered solely by renewable energy sources. By adopting net-zero emissions buildings, organizations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, enhance their energy independence and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. This approach also offers organizations tangible benefits such as reduced operational costs, improved building performance and a healthier environment for occupants.  

What is a net-zero emissions building?  

A net-zero emissions building is an efficient, all-electric building that is designed and operated to yield an annual output of zero for scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all facility energy use. This implies a building is connected to on-site renewable energy or a regional grid that provides 100% carbon-free electricity on a net annual basis.  

A net-zero emissions building has been verified to be:  

• highly energy efficient: (i) an existing building that achieves an ENERGY STAR certified score of 75 or higher or performs 35% better than median Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for buildings ineligible for the ENERGY STAR score OR (ii) a new building that has energy use at least 10% lower than the energy use according to the latest model energy code, 
• free of on-site emissions: the building's direct GHG emissions equal zero (all-electric), and  
• powered solely from renewable energy sources: 100% of the building's energy is from renewable sources (either directly or through market mechanisms).  

What projects qualify?  

Two types of projects can qualify. The first type of project that qualifies is a project where the retrofit of an existing building makes a “substantial contribution” to that building being a net-zero emissions building and is part of a plan for that building to achieve zero-over-time emissions. The second type of project is the new construction of a net-zero emission building. Both project types must be in a low-income and disadvantaged community.  

For retrofit projects, the retrofit must substantially contribute to moving the building from its current state toward being a net-zero emissions building, and a credible plan or documentation is required, generally within 20 years or less. The plan typically includes deep energy efficiency, electrification, on-site renewable energy projects and a timeline to implement those projects aligned with natural trigger points in the building’s life cycle. Lenders, borrowers and building owners can use a zero-over-time plan to finance the most impactful projects today while also planning a comprehensive timeline of future improvements that results in a net-zero emissions building.  

What buildings are eligible?  

Many different types of buildings are eligible, including:  

• residential (e.g., one- to four-family homes, manufactured homes, multifamily housing),  
• commercial,  
• industrial, and  
• other buildings upon approval.  

Get started today 

The journey to achieving net-zero emissions in buildings can be challenging, but by embracing the principles outlined by the CCIA, organizations can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future. Whether you’re looking to retrofit an existing building or embark on new construction, the path to net-zero emissions is within reach.  

Contact a CCIA specialist today to learn how your organization can benefit from this transformative approach and take the first step towards a greener, more sustainable future. We’re here to help.