Net-Zero Energy
How to Cost-Effectively Withstand the Next Polar Vortex
The 2019 polar vortex has passed, leaving behind many harrowing stories in its wake. The new Cold Climates Addendum of Rocky Mountain Institute’s Economics of Zero Energy Homes report illuminates how our homes can be better prepared for weather extremes cost-effectively, even in some of the coldest climates in…
New Zero-Energy Homes Almost to Cost Parity, While Codes & Incentives Help Cross the Finish Line
If you had a choice between building new homes that meet basic standards and building comfortable, healthy homes that dramatically cut energy bills, which would you prefer? How about if the low-energy homes cost the same (or nearly the same) as a standard home to build? If the cost is…
Zero Over Time Process Drives Existing Portfolios Toward Net Zero Energy
Net-zero energy (NZE) buildings are gaining interest from building owners, tenants, and landlords alike. RMI’s latest report, in partnership with Urban Land Institute (ULI), Best Practices for Achieving Zero Over Time for Building Portfolios, outlines our zero-over-time (ZOT) approach to help portfolio owners navigate the barriers to achieving net zero…
Policies for Better Buildings
Cities consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70 percent of global CO2 emissions, while occupying only 2 percent of its land area. Many cities are well aware of their substantial carbon footprints and have made commitments to emissions reductions and conducted emissions audits to…
Looking Beyond California: Zero Energy Housing in the United States
In only a year and a half, if you buy a house that’s just been built in California, you will be buying a house designed for the future: highly energy efficient, and a producer of clean, solar energy. Also, chances are good that it will be all-electric and have energy…