California Kicks Off Zero Net Energy Plan for Buildings

San Francisco, Sept. 1, 2010 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and representatives from the commercial building, clean energy, finance, technology, and architecture sectors and various state agencies today announced the release of the state’s Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Action Plan for Buildings. The plan provides a roadmap to transform the state’s 5 billion square feet of commercial property space from the biggest energy consumers in the state to “net zero” energy users, through greater energy efficiency and on-site clean energy generation by 2030.

“Zero net energy isn’t just a big, bold goal – it’s a reality today,” said CPUC Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich. “By tapping into the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that made California the largest builder of zero net energy structures in the nation, this action plan will succeed.”

ZNE buildings have net energy consumption of zero over a typical year. ZNE buildings are constructed to the highest level of energy efficiency possible, and the rest of the building’s energy demand is met by on-site renewable energy sources such as solar panels. To date, California has more ZNE buildings than any other state in the U.S.

“The vision for zero net energy buildings is not just for communities of tomorrow, but is an attainable, scalable solution possible today,” said Shilpa Sankaran, co-founder or ZETA Zero Energy Communities. “California has a thriving ZNE building industry that is creating entire neighborhoods, schools, offices and other buildings and communities that are cleaner, healthier, more comfortable and affordable places to live and work. The more progress we make toward ZNE buildings and transform the market, the more Californians will have the opportunity to live and work in these superior structures.”

California’s commercial property space consumes 38 percent of the state’s total power supply – making this sector the biggest energy users in the state. But buildings could be constructed to use 43 percent less energy through currently available energy-saving building design, practices and technologies, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

“Energy is one of the largest expenses of building ownership today, but it is the one expense that owners have the most control over,” said Martha Brook, senior mechanical engineer in the High Performance Buildings and Standards Development Office of the California Energy Commission. “The more building owners can do to reduce energy use, manage costs and move toward zero net energy, the better they will be able to stay competitive and profitable now and into the future. With this plan, the state is poised to help owners down this path toward zero net energy use and greater prosperity.” 

Contact:

Kristina Skierka, Senior Advisor, Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, California Public Utilities Commission
415-331-3387 (cell); 415-703-1184 (office)
kristina.skierka@cpuc.ca.gov

David Hewitt, Executive Director, New Buildings Institute
360-567-0950 ext. 102 (office); 503-330-0302 (cell)
dave@newbuildings.org

Shilpa Sankaran, Co-founder, ZETA Zero Energy Communities
415-946-4087 ext. 407
ssankaran@zetacommunities.com

Terrie Prosper, Media Contact, California Public Utilities Commission
415-703-1366
terrie.prosper@cpuc.ca.gov