Welcome to the Gateway to Zero
There is a path to zero for everyone, but with so many programs, guidelines, standards available, finding the one that’s right for you can be overwhelming. That's why we created the Gateway to Zero.
And while we recognize that “getting to zero” does not always follow a linear process, we have organized the resources in categories from “base energy code” to “zero embodied carbon,” referencing widely accepted U.S. criteria. For our non-U.S. partner resources, please refer to those countries' specific energy codes and standards for further detail.
Meeting the IECC residential model energy code. IECC & ASHRAE Standard 90.1 are both required for residential structures above 3 stories.
Energy efficiency 15% above 2012 IECC.
US EPA ENERGY STAR Certified Homes ‘National Rater Field Checklist’ and 'National Water Management System Builder Requirements’.
RESNET Standard 310, HVAC system installation Grade 1.
US EPA Indoor airPLUS program.
Energy efficiency 25% above 2012 IECC.
US DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program mandatory requirements for ‘Duct System’.
US DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program ‘PV-Ready Checklist’.
Achieves a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score of 10 or less.
Buildings must be all-electric with no fossil fuel-fired equipment or components, so all energy consumption has the potential to be offset with renewable energy.
Beyond carbon neutral to create an environmental benefit and intentionally remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, turning it into useful forms. (Architecture 2030)
Meet the embodied carbon requirements of the International Living Future Institute’s ‘Zero Carbon’ certification. (100% of operational and embodied energy associated with the project must be offset by renewable energy, including the carbon emissions resulting from construction and materials.)
ZERO
Meeting the IECC residential model energy code. IECC & ASHRAE Standard 90.1 are both required for residential structures above 3 stories.
Energy efficiency 15% above 2012 IECC.
US EPA ENERGY STAR Certified Homes ‘National Rater Field Checklist’ and 'National Water Management System Builder Requirements’.
RESNET Standard 310, HVAC system installation Grade 1.
US EPA Indoor airPLUS program.
Energy efficiency 25% above 2012 IECC.
US DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program mandatory requirements for ‘Duct System’.
US DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program ‘PV-Ready Checklist’.
Achieves a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score of 10 or less.
Buildings must be all-electric with no fossil fuel-fired equipment or components, so all energy consumption has the potential to be offset with renewable energy.
Beyond carbon neutral to create an environmental benefit and intentionally remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, turning it into useful forms. (Architecture 2030)
Meet the embodied carbon requirements of the International Living Future Institute’s ‘Zero Carbon’ certification. (100% of operational and embodied energy associated with the project must be offset by renewable energy, including the carbon emissions resulting from construction and materials.)