Event Description

For years, the holy grail for buildings sustainability has been to reach the goal of Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon (with similar goals for water, waste, and health). With the latest codes cycle updates, the shift to LEED v4.1, and the movement across the country towards grid decarbonization, we are as close as ever to the possibility of reaching that goal. However, the closer we get, the more expansive and nuanced the issue becomes. Does the time of use of when I use energy matter? Does adding more solar help if I’m in a grid region that has to curtail it? Can I call myself Zero Carbon if I use gas or if my building requires people to drive combustion vehicles to get there? How important are embodied carbon and refrigerant emissions relative to energy-related emissions? Is procuring offsite renewable energy just as good as making it onsite? What barriers exist that may prevent or make it difficult to do all of this? This session will examine the intricacies of reaching a comprehensive definition of Zero Energy and Carbon, show how LEED Zero supports this definition, and the highlight the new frontier of removing carbon from the built environment.

GBCI Credit: 1.0 CE hours 

AIA Credit: 1.0 LU

Basic level (Note: This workshop is for those already familiar and experienced with LEED. Focus is on using LEED to achieving carbon neutrality.)