Living Building Challenge
Created by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council, the Living Building Challenge defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions. Living Buildings are defined as those that generate all of their own energy with renewable resources, capture and treat all of their water on site, and use resources efficiently and for maximum beauty.
2030 Challenge
The 2030 Challenge is an initiative by Edward Mazria and Architecture 2030asking the global architecture and construction community to adopt a series of greenhouse gas reduction targets for new and renovated buildings in order to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2030. Achieving the targets may be accomplished through innovative design strategies, application of renewable technologies and/or the purchase (maximum 20%) of renewable energy.
Net Zero Energy Building Certification
Net Zero Energy is quickly becoming a sought after goal for many buildings around the globe – each relies on exceptional energy conservation and then on-site renewables to meet all of its heating, cooling and electricity needs. Net Zero Energy Building Certification is a program operated by the International Living Future Institute using the structure of the Living Building Challenge – the world’s most rigorous and progressive green building program.
Zero Energy Ready Home
The U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home is a new and compelling way to recognize builders for their leadership in increasing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and making homes zero energy ready. The program builds upon the comprehensive building science requirements of ENERGY STAR® for Homes Version 3, along with proven Building America innovations and best practices.
Building America
Building America is an industry-driven research program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced building energy technologies in new and existing homes. Each year the DOE identifies game-changing building achievements published in their Top Innovations section.