The Zero Code

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework provides code-adaptable language that defines the energy efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy production and/or off-site renewable energy procurement to support the construction of zero carbon buildings.

Adopting the Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework

The framework works alongside energy efficiency, electrification measures and other decarbonization strategies to support the construction of code-compliant, zero-carbon buildings that use local clean energy. Elements of the framework were formally adopted by the International Code Council and are included in the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as Appendix CC: Zero Energy Commercial Building Provisions. The framework applies to new commercial, industrial and mid- to high-rise residential buildings – the dominant building types being constructed in cities today. It can also be applied to existing buildings.

The framework is designed to be both plug-and-play and highly flexible and adaptable for any jurisdiction to use. Cities and states can adopt all or aspects of the framework through a regular code-adoption process or via other policy pathways described here.

KEY FEATURES OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROCUREMENT FRAMEWORK

The framework is a key policy instrument available to local governments for addressing climate pollutants and global warming.
New buildings add load to the grid and the framework assures that this additional load will be met by solar, wind or other renewable energy resources, beyond what is already required by government or regulatory mandates.
The base standard for energy efficiency is ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 but other energy efficiency standards can be substituted if they result in equal or greater energy efficiency, including the IECC 2021, California 2019 BEES, the upcoming California 2022 BEES, ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2020, or the IgCC 2021.
Less on-site or off-site renewable energy is required for energy efficient buildings that exceed code minimum, and adopting jurisdictions can mandate beyond-code energy efficiency by requiring the performance approach to energy efficiency compliance.
The framework can be implemented through building codes, zoning regulations, municipal codes, incentive programs or through other means.

The Zero Code 2.0

The Zero Code 2.0 provides a national and international framework for building energy standards for new building construction that integrates cost-effective energy efficiency standards with on-site and/or off-site renewable energy to support the construction of zero carbon buildings. The Zero Code 2.0 applies to new commercial, institutional, and mid- to high-rise residential buildings, the dominant building types being constructed in cities today. The Zero Code 2.0 has been updated from the original version to reference ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, and provide options to specify beyond-code energy efficiency and eliminate the direct use of fossil fuels in buildings.

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Framework IECC Appendix

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework has been included in the 2021 IECC as the voluntary Appendix CC: Zero Energy Commercial Building Provisions, which can be adopted by local governments.

The 2022 Zero Code for California

The 2022 Zero Code for California includes prescriptive and performance paths to compliance based on the upcoming 2022 California Building Energy Standards (BEES) and its pending Hourly Source Energy metric. The 2022 Zero Code for California also prohibits gas equipment in the building, requires a minimum amount of on-site PV, and requires that the building owner commit to buying 100% renewable electricity for 20 years. The 2022 Zero Code for California was developed in collaboration with AIA California and is their official petition for amendments to the California Green Building Standards Code for updates to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

Energy Calculators

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework is supported by Energy Calculators that ease the implementation process and reduce errors when applying the prescriptive compliance path.

Resources

Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework adoption and implementation is supported by a series of Resources including a Technical Support Document for the Procurement of Off-Site Renewable Energy and a Technical Support Document for the Zero Code for California.

The Zero Code

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework

Adopting the Zero Code Renewable Energy Procurement Framework

KEY FEATURES OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROCUREMENT FRAMEWORK

The Zero Code 2.0

The Zero Code Renewable Energy Framework IECC Appendix

The 2022 Zero Code for California

Directory

Energy Calculators

Resources

The ZERO Code is an Architecture 2030 initiative.

Architecture 2030, in offering the ZERO Code, accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the inputs, assumptions, default values, and results estimated by the ZERO Code Energy Calculator, or for the design and performance of buildings utilizing the ZERO Code.

If you have questions about the ZERO Code, or if you are a legal jurisdiction that would like support in adopting the ZERO Code, please contact info@architecture2030.org.