The Case for Zero Energy Buildings

The majority of our energy comes from fossil fuel generation—oil, coal, and natural gas—resources that are both limited and responsible for releasing CO2 into our atmosphere. In order to mitigate and reverse the effects of climate change, we need to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our energy generation. Moving forward, that strategy requires both swapping fossil fuel generation with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as greatly improving the energy efficiency of our lives. 

Buildings of all types are responsible for 40% of all of our energy use, using nearly 75% of our electric generation. As we work to provide alternative energy sources, we need to simultaneously reduce our energy consumption. The obvious choice is to focus on the energy buildings use, since we all need the security of buildings for shelter and work in our daily lives.