The Zero Energy House (ZEH) is the first project to be awarded Net Zero certification in the Southern Hemisphere.
Net Zero Energy is quickly becoming a sought after goal for many buildings around the globe – each relies on exceptional energy conservation and then on-site renewables to meet all of its heating, cooling and electricity needs. Yet the true performance of many developments is overstated – and actual Net Zero Energy buildings are still rare.
Net Zero Energy Building Certification™:
- Verifies the building is truly operating as claimed, harnessing energy from the sun, wind or earth to exceed net annual demand. It’s one thing to say a building is zero energy; it’s another thing to prove it.
- Provides a platform for the building to inform other efforts throughout the world and accelerate the implementation of restorative principles.
- Celebrates a significant accomplishment and differentiates those responsible for the building’s success in this quickly evolving market.
To earn Net Zero Energy Building Certification, the requirements of the following five Living Building Challenge™ Imperatives must be met:
- Limits to Growth (in part): Curbs the building’s contribution to the effects of sprawled development, which undermines the positive impact of achieving net zero energy building operation.
- Net Zero Energy: Serves as the primary focus of Net Zero Energy Building Certification.
- Rights to Nature: Ensures that the building does not preclude another building from achieving net zero energy operation as a result of excessive shading.
- Beauty + Spirit and Inspiration + Education: Underscore the notion that renewable energy systems can be incorporated into a building in ways that are attractive and inspiring.
Net Zero Energy Building Certification is a program operated by the International Living Future Institute. Want to register your project? Click here.
