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The design challenge of a zero energy HVAC system is maximizing energy efficiency. The lower the operating energy use intensity (EUI) of the building, the less renewable energy is required to achieve zero energy, which reduces cost.

Both interior and exterior thermal mass can support thermal comfort and energy efficiency in zero energy buildings.

Effective daylighting starts with good orientation, and building orientation also influences power production, solar heat gain, and other features affecting energy use.

The strategies on these pages—from passive design to efficient equipment choices—show that zero energy design can be achieved with familiar techniques and using off-the-shelf technologies. And it doesn’t have to cost more, either.

The Zero Energy Districts Accelerator aims to address barriers and develop replicable solutions to designing, building, and operating advanced energy districts that include efficient, resilient, cost-effective buildings and infrastructure.