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DOE Announces National Zero Emissions Building Definition

By Sydney Novoa posted 06-20-2024 09:54 AM

  
 
On June 6, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building (ZEB). The definition is intended to provide guidance to support new and existing commercial and residential buildings to move towards zero emissions.
 
APGA’s utility members provide the necessary energy for buildings, so DOE’s ZEB definition will have a negative impact. APGA is concerned with the announced definition for various reasons including the lack of recognition of off-site emissions and the inability to utilize natural gas and biofuels, like renewable natural gas, in buildings.
 
Previously, on February 5, APGA submitted comments in response to DOE’s draft definition. Unfortunately, DOE did not address APGA’s concerns when finalizing the ZEB definition.  In the comments submitted earlier in the year, APGA noted that the definition focused on on-site energy emissions and does not account for off-site emissions. APGA purported that any ZEB definition should account for full-fuel cycle energy and emissions, ensuring a fuel-neutral approach. To read the February input, click here. 
 
APGA will continue to monitor this issue and will inform members of any future, related actions by DOE. More information on the ZEB definition is available here.
 
For questions on this article, please contact Sydney Novoa of APGA by phone at 202-464-0834 or email at snovoa@apga.org.

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