Share Your Net Zero Case Studies to Make the Case for the Climate Bill
We know net zero buildings make economical sense and we need your experience to help us make the case to Governor Baker. The BSA is working with Built Environment Plus (BE+) to create a database of net zero projects that currently exist. Please share your projects by February 3, 2021 to be included.
The Massachusetts House and Senate hope to pass a landmark climate bill titled, “An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy." Earlier this month, Governor Baker vetoed the bill as it stands, citing concerns about the net zero stretch code provision and its potential impact on affordable housing.
Other databases on net zero projects exist; however, none include robust information on cost. Since Governor Baker's key concern and justification for the veto was focused on the increased cost of net-zero projects, we hope to create a database of projects that transparently show financial information.
Net zero buildings are optimally energy efficient, eliminate fossil fuels (with some exceptions), and rely on renewable energy to offset their energy consumption on a net annual basis. Renewable energy can be produced on-site or procured from off-site sources. Using this approach, net zero is being achieved by buildings of all types and sizes.
Criteria for Submission
While we prioritize buildings in Massachusetts, they can be located anywhere in the Northeast. Please consider submitting if your building or project meets any, or all of the following criteria:
- Ultra energy efficient (for example: Passive House, or >40% site energy reduction vs. ASHRAE 90.1)
- All-electric for space heating (or labs/healthcare with >80% fossil fuel reduction vs. conventional)
- Renewable energy (on or off-site) to reach net zero
Submit case studies
Please help us gather examples of affordable net zero housing to prove to our legislators that the bill will not impede efforts to create more affordable housing. DEADLINE: February 3, 2021
Submit nowIf you have any questions, please reach out to Meredith Elbaum, Executive Director at Built Environment Plus, [email protected]
For more on Built Environment Plus and the road to net zero, visit their website.
Recent news: A net-zero code doesn’t need to derail affordable housing push, advocates say, Energy News Now, January 27, 2021
