Executive Order 13514

A Zero-Net-Energy Building is an official designation in the United States for a building whose construction and operation creates zero net emissions of greenhouse gases, as specified in President Obama's Executive Order 13514 of October 5, 2009.

This Executive Order mandates that at least 15% of existing federal buildings and leases (75,000 buildings) meet Energy Efficiency Guiding Principles by 2015, and that annual progress be made toward 100% conformance of all federal buildings.

100% of all new Federal buildings must achieve Zero-Net-Energy by 2030.

The U.S. government is the largest consumer of energy in America. It has roughly 500,000 buildings, and most of these buildings are energy-inefficient.

In Executive Order 13514, President Obama stated that "the Federal Government must lead by example ... increase energy efficiency; measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from direct and indirect activities ... design, construct, maintain, and operate high performance sustainable buildings in sustainable locations; strengthen the vitality and livability of the communities in which Federal facilities are located; and inform Federal employees about and involve them in the achievement of these goals."

Definition of Zero Net Energy Building in Executive Order 13514

"Zero-Net-Energy Building means a building that is designed, constructed, and operated to require a greatly reduced quantity of energy to operate, meet the balance of energy needs from sources of energy that do not produce greenhouse gases, and therefore result in no net emissions of greenhouse gases and be economically viable." - President Barack Obama Executive Order 13514 "FEDERAL LEADERSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY, AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE"

The implication of "No net emissions of greenhouse gases" is that nothing will ever be burned onsite, or by the public utilities supplying the facility, that emits the types of air pollution which endanger human health by contributing to worldwide climate change.

Details of the Executive Order

The timeline and means for achieving the stated goal of Zero-Net-Energy USA Federal Buildings can be summarized as follows:

• Green roofs are explicitly recommended for government buildings.
• Zero-Net-Energy goals are to be incorporated into the process of buying or leasing new government properties.
• As of 2020, all planning for new Federal buildings requires design specifications that achieve Zero-Net-Energy use by 2030.
• Large government buildings have to start showing progress by 2015. More specifically, at least 15 percent of any agency's existing buildings and building leases above 5,000 gross square feet must conform to Zero-Net-Energy by Fiscal Year 2015. Ongoing improvement is required.
• Historic buildings may be retrofit to comply with the order.

Progress as of March 30, 2011

"In the last two years, agencies have invested $5.8 billion in energy efficiency projects for Federal buildings."

"In August 2009, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) broke ground for the Ames Sustainability Base, which is expected to be completed in late 2011. The Base will feature innovative technology, including 72 on-site geothermal wells, efficient heating and cooling through sub-floor systems, high performance insulation, ultra low-flow plumbing, and non-toxic and bio-friendly materials. Through thoughtful design and building systems, the Base is targeting a 90 percent reduction in potable water consumption compared to traditional buildings of similar size. NASA estimates the building will pay back the increased initial cost within 6 years."

"The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) new Research Support Facility is among the first large net zero energy buildings in the world. The 220,000-square-foot (18,580 square-meter) office facility will generate as much energy as it uses, including solar arrays atop its adjacent parking garage. The building incorporates a number of new technologies, such as NREL- developed transpired solar collectors that pre-heat outside air to cut down on the energy required for heating; as well as traditional design practices such as orienting the building to take maximum advantage of the sun."

See also

• Zero energy building
• Net metering
• Energy conservation