Colleges Recognized for Exemplary Zero Energy Design Curriculum

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that 14 programs from nine collegiate institutions have been recognized as Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) recipients in the 2024 cohort.

These programs earned the designation by going above and beyond basic building science education by preparing their students to design and construct sustainable, energy-efficient buildings with exemplary zero-energy design curricula and practicums.

The 2024 cohort joins 39 programs from 26 institutions that earned the three-year designation in 2022 or 2023. Recognized programs included architecture, real estate development, and construction science/management.

“Our climate conditions are worsening year by year—we need schools to prepare the next generation to design for future conditions, not the past,” said Amy Royden-Bloom, Residential Buildings Integration program manager at the Building Technologies Office. “The programs recognized in this year’s ZEDD cohort are doing just that and should be commended for being on the forefront of tackling climate change.”

Congratulations to the educational programs that earned the 2024–2027 designation:

• Al-Hussein Technical University (Amman, Jordan) 
  • Bachelor of Architecture with a Zero Energy Concentration Track 
• College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita, California) 
  •  Bachelor of Science in Building Performance  
• Dartmouth College (Hanover, New Hampshire) 
  • Bachelor of Engineering
  • Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia) 
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management 
  • Minor in Sustainable Development and Construction 
  • Master of Science in Real Estate Development 
• Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois) 
  • Bachelor of Architecture 
  • Master of Architecture 
• Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, Pennsylvania) 
  • Bachelor of Architecture 
  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture 
• University of Wyoming (Laramie, Wyoming) 
  • Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering 
• Washington State University (Pullman, Washington) 
  • Master in Energy Conscious Construction 
• Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, Massachusetts) 
  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture 

Applications for the next ZEDD cohort will open in spring 2025. Interested programs must incorporate specific building science learning objectives into their curriculums, as well as offer a ZEDD-approved design practicum.

Participation in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon^® Design Challenge collegiate competition can help schools meet both requirements. 

Sign up for the ZEDD newsletter for the most up-to-date information or email the team at ZEDD@nrel.gov if you have questions.