Boston: Charting a Path to Zero Net Carbon Buildings
Thanks to innovative new zoning rules expected to be adopted in January 2023, new buildings in Boston will be largely carbon-free and powered by clean, renewable energy. Learn how Boston is using zoning to combat carbon emissions.
January 2023
Renewable Energy Procurement: A Guide for Advocates and Policymakers
For advocates and policymakers looking to enable local renewable energy procurement for buildings, it can be confusing to determine what policies and programs to advance. This guide introduces the ZCF and provides an overview demand-side renewable energy policy options and considerations to help determine an appropriate strategy for any community.
January 2023
How to Achieve Zero Carbon Buildings
The built environment accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s CO2 emissions, but we can change that. The building requirements and smart policy solutions needed to achieve zero operating carbon buildings that use all-electric systems powered by clean energy are outlined here.
June 2022
A Tale of Two Cities: Success stories implementing building renewable energy procurement policies
Join Architecture 2030 and the Zero Code Network to hear first-hand accounts from two cities – Boston and San Francisco – that are now implementing ambitious building decarbonization plans leveraging renewable energy procurement.
May 2022
The Paybacks of Powering Buildings with Clean Energy
With the Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework jurisdictions can help their communities reap the benefits of putting people back to work after more than a year of job losses due to COVID-19, by requiring more energy efficient construction practices and local renewable energy production. Learn about the paybacks of powering buildings with locally-produced renewable energy, and read through examples of real-world projects that demonstrate constructing an energy-efficient building powered by clean energy can be both achievable and cost-effective.
July 2021
A Powerful Tool to Advance Health & Equity: The Zero Code Renewable Energy Framework
Across the US, cities, counties and states are exploring strategies to decarbonize buildings while simultaneously advancing health and equity goals for their communities. The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework can be a powerful tool to advance local health and equity priorities.
July 2021
What is the Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework?
The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework provides cities and states guidance for including renewable energy as part of their strategy to achieve zero-carbon buildings. It is an essential tool in any policymaker’s toolbox to meet their building decarbonization goals.
May 2021
Pathways to Adoption
The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework can be advanced both inside and outside the building energy code adoption process. Use this guide to find the best option for your city or state, and note that some pathway options can be used in tandem.
May 2021
Boston Renewable Energy Procurement Requirement Study
The City of Boston is considering renewable energy procurement as a requirement for the City. Buildings proposed to be constructed would be required to install on-site renewable energy and procure off-site renewable energy. The requirement is intended to offset building energy use and achieve zero-net carbon.
September 2020
Zero Code Webinar
This webinar, presented by Architecture 2030 COO Vincent Martinez in July 2020, gives an overview of the Zero Code.
July 2020
Zero Code Presentation Slide Deck
These slides accompany a presentation by Architecture 2030 COO Vincent Martinez in July 2020, which gives an overview of the Zero Code.
July 2020
Understanding Code Change Proposal CE264-19: Zero Code Renewable Energy Appendix
A Guidance Document for Building Code Officials Published by the American Institute of Architects
July 2019
Zero Code Renewable Energy Appendix Fact Sheet
Architecture 2030 and AIA created this fact sheet to support the proposal CE 264-19 for the 2021 IECC.
July 2019
Zero Code Technical Support Document 2.0: Off-Site Procurement of Renewable Energy
This technical support document describes several potential options for off-site procurement of renewable energy within the context of codes, and presents a process for evaluating and assigning a weight to each procurement method. The technical support document has been updated to accompany the Zero Code 2.0.
December 2020
Technical Support Document on the Zero Code for California
This technical support document provides background and technical information in support of the Zero Code for California developed by Architecture 2030.
2018
The ZERO Code is an Architecture 2030 initiative.
Architecture 2030, in offering the ZERO Code, accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the inputs, assumptions, default values, and results estimated by the ZERO Code Energy Calculator, or for the design and performance of buildings utilizing the ZERO Code.
If you have questions about the ZERO Code, or if you are a legal jurisdiction that would like support in adopting the ZERO Code, please contact info@architecture2030.org.