As zero energy schools become more common, their benefits are increasingly well-understood. Those benefits include:

• Student learning and success. A zero energy school focuses the school community (students, teachers, staff, and parents) on the process of getting to zero, as well as on the science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) subjects that can prepare students for future STEAM courses or careers.
• Healthy, high-performance learning environments. Zero energy school buildings are designed to promote occupant health and comfort and serve as living laboratories for students, educators, and the broader community.
• Sound fiscal management of community resources. Zero energy schools are extremely energy-efficient, which reduces operating costs as well as exposure to future energy price volatility. The cost of designing and building a zero energy school can be comparable to that of a conventional school, making zero energy a sound business decision.
• Resiliency. A K–12 school is often a community gathering place, and—because of its energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy production—a zero energy school can be a comfortable refuge during extreme weather events and other grid outages