EDITORIAL OUTLINE
Defining ‘Zero Energy Buildings’ and ‘Zero Energy Homes’
- The 4 definitions of “zero energy” and their practical meaning
- The role of ZEBs/ZEHs in conserving energy and combating climate change
- Meeting the goals of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
A Who's Who of ZEB/ZEH Leadership
Rundown of the key players in zero energy, from government (NREL, LBNL, U.S. Dept of Energy – Zero Energy Comm’l Buildings Consortium, GSA), universities, private-sector R&D centers, product manufacturers, etc. How their programs are helping push forward zero energy design and construction.
U.S. ZEB/ZEH Case Studies: What We’ve Learned Thus Far
Discussion of recent ZEB/ZEH projects, such as NREL’s Research Support Facilities Building, Golden, Colo. – what’s working, what needs to be refined or reconceived.
Global ZEB/ZEHs: What the U.S. Can Learn from Others
Are Germany, China, the U.K. ahead of U.S. Building Teams on ZEBs? Review of major projects, input from technical experts outside the U.S.
Zero Energy Technology: What’s on the Shelf Now, What’s Needed in the Future
Discussion of the products, systems, and technologies helping to achieve zero energy buildings.
- BIPVs (building-integrated photovoltaics)
- Brick & Masonry Systems
- Building Automation Systems
- Building Envelope Systems
- Cladding/Wall Systems/EIFS
- Ceiling Products
- Concrete Systems
- Daylighting Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Electrochromic Glass
- Elevators/Escalators
- Energy Analysis Software
- Energy Modeling Software
- Exterior Shading Systems
- Green Building Products
- Groundwater Systems
- Gypsum Products
- ICFs (insulating concrete forms)
- Insulation/Thermal Products
- Interior Shades
- Light Shelves
- Lighting/Lighting Control Systems
- Low-e glass/Glazing Products
- Mechanical/HVAC Systems
- Moisture & Air Barriers
- Passive/Thermal Solar
- Photovoltaics
- Power Distribution Systems
- Roofing Systems (white roofs, green roofs, etc.)
- SIPs (structural insulating panels)
- UFAD (underfloor air distribution)
- Water-conservation Systems
- Wind Energy Systems
- Windows & Doors
ZEBs/ZEHs in Green Building Certification Programs
How ZEBs and ZEHs figure in LEED, Green Globes, Green Guide for Health Care, CHPS, NAHB, and ASHRAE 189.1.
What’s on the Horizon for ZEBs/ZEHs
A look ahead at the technical problems, cost barriers, and social, economic, and political forces impacting the adoption of zero energy buildings and homes – and where zero energy technology may take us in the future.
ZEB/ZEH Action Plan – Specific Recommendations
What architects, engineers, contractors, government agencies, environmental groups, NGOs, building product manufacturers, and other stakeholders can – and should – do to achieve zero energy buildings and homes.
Editorial Management of the White Paper
The White Paper will be produced under the direction of Robert Cassidy, Editorial Director of BD+C. A city planner, author (Livable Cities), and founder/chair of the Friends of the Chicago River, Cassidy has supervised all 7 previous Green Building White Papers, four of which have been finalists for the Jesse H. Neal Award, the highest honor in B2B journalism; two of these have won the Neal Award.
