As spelled out in the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, the state has ambitious goals for the development of zero net energy buildings. These include:

  • All new residential construction will be zero net energy (ZNE) by 2020.
  • All new commercial construction will be ZNE by 2030
  • 50% of commercial buildings will be retrofit to ZNE by 2030
  • 50% of new major renovations of state buildings will be ZNE by 2025.

In 2016, the Department of General Services issued these definitions of zero net energy:

  • ZNE building - An energy-efficient building where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy.
  • ZNE campus - An energy-efficient campus where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy.
  • ZNE portfolio - An energy-efficient portfolio in which, on a source energy basis, the actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy.
  • ZNE community - An energy-efficient community where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy.

This page includes reports, presentations, and other resources related to the CPUC's efforts to implement the state's zero net energy policy goals.

Reports

Residential Zero Net Energy Building Integration Cost Analysis (DNV-GL) - October 18, 2017 

Presentations

It All Adds Up to Zero - California's Zero Net Energy Future (and what we're doing about it) - October 24, 2017

External Resources

New Buildings InstituteCalifornia ZNE Homes