National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building

Transitioning the building sector to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires a broadly accepted definition of a “zero emissions building” with minimum criteria that a building must meet to qualify as “zero emissions,” as well as a pathway for documenting whether a building satisfies that definition. The National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building sets forth standardized, consistent, and measurable minimum criteria for a zero-emissions building that users can achieve through multiple pathways. The Definition is intended to provide guidance to help support the building sector moving toward zero emissions and thereby advance public- and private-sector climate goals.