What is Carbon Neutral and How Does it Relate to NZEBs?
A building that is Carbon Neutral uses no fossil fuels in its operation, creates no direct greenhouse gases, and, as a result, does not contribute to global warming. The energy it uses may be produced on site or may be drawn from a utility grid but it must be “clean,” produced by wind turbines, photovoltaics, or other renewable energy system. Thus, a building that is both Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Energy produces at least as much renewable energy as it uses each year. Leadership is Mobilizing Momentum is building quickly within our industry to meet the challenge of Net Zero Carbon Neutral buildings. Among the organizations that have established pertinent strategic plans and programs are: • Architecture 2030. Started in 2002, this non-profit’s 2030 Challenge sets a timeline for reducing fossil fuel consumption to zero (i.e. Carbon Neutral) by the year 2030, starting from a 60 percent reduction in 2010, with 10 percent additional reductions every 5 years. The 2030 Challenge has been em
