A significant element of California’s Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan is the Zero Net Energy Action Plan which is specifically designed in using and taking advantage of the latest energy efficiency technologies as well as financial incentives to help commercial building owners achieved “Net Zero” energy use. The ultimate goal of the Zero Net Energy Action Plan is to transform California’s various commercial buildings, the largest electricity-consuming sector in the state, into Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings – energy efficient structures and edifices powered by clean energy by the year 2030.

A significant boost towards achieving this goal is the recent release of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that involves new commercial building practices and requirements that will improve energy efficiency by at least 30%. The energy savings that can be derived from the 2012 IECC complies with the calls for energy efficiency from Industry leaders, the Secretary of Energy and Congress. The code is another step towards low-energy buildings not only in California but the rest of the nation as well.

Justin Gerdes write about Net Zero energy buildings in the recent issue of Forbes.