Release: 6/6/24

The Alliance to Save Energy praises the Department of Energy (DOE) for its newly released definition of zero-emissions buildings, marking a significant milestone in the national effort to combat climate change and enhance energy efficiency. This comprehensive definition underscores the pivotal role of energy efficiency as a foundational element in achieving zero-emission buildings. This landmark definition is set to propel public and private sector efforts to decarbonize the building sector, significantly contributing to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

"I am particularly encouraged by the DOE’s dedication to advancing zero emissions in the buildings sector. This definition establishes a formidable standard for energy efficiency and clean energy utilization and addresses the crucial necessity for market certainty to scale zero emissions new construction and retrofits," said Alliance to Save Energy President, Paula Glover. "We eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with the DOE and other stakeholders to implement these guidelines and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable, resilient future," said Glover.

The Alliance to Save Energy had submitted comments on Part 1 of the DOE’s National Definition for Zero Emissions Building: Operating Emissions, advocating for a comprehensive approach to operational emissions from energy use. The new definition is crucial in providing industry guidance to support the transition towards zero emissions in both new and existing commercial and residential buildings. The Alliance strongly supports the DOE's inclusion of energy efficiency as the primary criterion in defining zero-emissions buildings. By prioritizing energy efficiency, the DOE's approach maximizes cost-effectiveness, accelerates building decarbonization, and ensures a more equitable and resilient path toward reducing energy burdens and promoting long-term affordability for building users.

The Alliance has consistently highlighted the critical role of energy efficiency in achieving ambitious climate goals, as evident by advancing the next generation of energy efficiency policy through the Energy 2040 initiative and the Active Efficiency Collaborative. Building on a foundation of research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the Brattle Group study that projects nearly half (45%) of total CO2 reductions by 2050 could come from building energy efficiency and demand-side measures, the Alliance is partnering with Brattle to conduct a follow-up study focused on the distribution system and heating cost impacts. Additionally, energy efficiency investments since 1980 have resulted in significant bill savings, totaling approximately $800 billion annually through 2020, and have continuously proven to be a powerful catalyst for decarbonization.

"The DOE's definition not only aligns with federal and state policies but also incorporates best practices that the Alliance has long advocated for, such as the 'envelope first' approach and leveraging building energy codes and standards," said Associate Vice President of Policy at the Alliance to Save Energy, Sapna Dowla.

The DOE's definition covers all building types, including commercial, multifamily, and single-family homes, setting a consistent and measurable basis for zero-emissions buildings across the nation. The Alliance believes this comprehensive approach is a crucial step for achieving equitable decarbonization and driving innovation in building design and efficiency technology.

For more information, please contact Sapna Dowla at sgdwola@ase.org.

About the Alliance to Save Energy

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a leading energy efficiency coalition in the nation. It is a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders advocating for enhanced energy efficiency investments across all sectors of the economy.