Demystifying Zero

There is no ‘Planet B’ for the 9 billion human inhabitants on earth expected just around the corner in 2050. And there is no path to a sustainable future for these inhabitants that does not involve buildings.

Consider that buildings in the U.S. account for over 40 percent of carbon emissions and 75 percent of electricity consumption while we are already on the precipice or exceeding planetary boundary conditions for critical environmental factors. And when Sam says critical, he means factors that will determine the ultimate survivability of life moving forward. That is why a ‘Zero Energy Buildings Imperative’ is our new reality. But there are so many options for buildings stakeholders to join the zero movement. It’s time to demystify all of these choices and provide clear guidance that helps the substantially diverse stakeholders identify their best path forward and take immediate actions. An ancient sales axiom that provides words to truly live by is, a confused buyer, never closes. There’s too much riding on a viable future to risk confusing buildings stakeholders.