Lecture

Zero Energy (or Zero Carbon) buildings are one component of the future of a survivable planet. The idea of low energy/high performing buildings served by on site and grid-based renewable energy systems is compelling and achievable, and is the direction for climate policy and energy code development. Achieving Net Zero Energy requires big picture thinking and attention to detail.

Greenhouse gases emitted by the manufacturing of building materials makes up 11% of global emissions. While the building industry has made significant progress toward eliminating carbon from building operations, material emissions have been flying under the climate radar. The urgency of reducing global carbon emissions in the next decade puts building materials on center stage – these emissions have an impact on our environment before materials even arrive to the jobsite.