Net-zero building design is generating increasing interest as concerns about energy costs and carbon emissions mount. Vermont architectural firm, Maclay Architects, has added a new section to its website to serve as a resource for those interested in learning more about net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs). The section offers information on the different, and sometimes conflicting, ways the term "net-zero" is being used, net-zero design plans for homeowners, net-zero energy case studies for projects the firm has worked on, and links to other resources.

"We see this as a resource for those interested in reducing their energy costs and reducing their carbon footprint, whether they are building new or renovating an existing building," said William Maclay, owner of Maclay Architects. "I believe net-zero energy buildings represent the best long-term solution to the environmental, energy and economic challenges we face."

According to Maclay, different definitions exist for what constitutes a net-zero building and it can be confusing. This website section is designed to inform people on the concept of net-zero and the appropriate questions to ask when evaluating buildings referred to as net-zero.

Maclay's firm defines net-zero energy buildings as those that produce as much energy as they consume over the course of the year. The buildings are usually designed to reduce energy usage by as much as 70% over buildings built to meet current energy codes. Adding renewable energy systems to these super-efficient buildings can reduce energy usage to zero over the course of a year.

"Buildings are costly to operate and are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions," said Maclay. "Designing our buildings to meet tougher energy standards makes economic and environmental sense."

William Maclay is also one of five contributors to a recently launched blog dedicated to the topic of helping Vermont become the first net-zero energy state (www.netzeroenergyvt.com). His firm also recently completed work on Vermont’s first net-zero commercial building—a 16,800 square foot field house for The Putney School—and has completed a number of other net-zero projects.

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