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Net-Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative

Net-Zero Energy Building Projects

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is leading the way in advancing net-zero energy buildings. Here you will find a sample of buildings that meet the net-zero energy definitions using various energy supply options. Select a project to view that entry in the Net-Zero Energy Buildings Database, which offers detailed information about land use, energy use, and more.

Photo of the inside of an atrium that is part of the Adam Joseph Lewis Center. The atrium is two stories with a curved roof and with windows covering two of the three walls visible in the photo.The Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies in Oberlin, Ohio, meets the following net-zero energy definitions: net-zero source energy, net-zero site energy, and net-zero energy emissions building. Photo courtesy of NREL/Robb Williamson.


Photo of the exterior of the Legacy Center, which is a small complex of structures organized around a central courtyard. The photo depicts five wooden buildings with metal roofs, two of which have photovoltaic panels. The buildings surround an open area covered with grass and walkways.The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo, Wisconsin, meets the following net-zero energy definitions: net-zero source energy, net-zero site energy, and net-zero energy emissions building. Photo courtesy of The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc./Mark F. Heffron.


Photo of an exterior walled courtyard in front of the Audubon Center at Debs Park. Beautiful iron gates are featured at the entrance of the courtyard decorated with birds and flowers.The Audubon Center at Debs Park in Los Angeles, California, is a near zero energy building. Photo courtesy of EHDD Architecture.


About the Net-Zero Energy Buildings Database

The Net-Zero Energy Buildings Database contains more examples of net-zero energy buildings and details about these projects, including:

  • Building team and process
  • Site description
  • Materials and resources
  • Indoor environment
  • Energy use.

You can also submit your own examples to the Net-Zero Energy Buildings Database. For new entries, be sure to include which zero energy definitions you meet and how you meet them. In addition, include information on the overview and energy pages to show the energy performance of your building.