Net Zero: Interns: Kimmie Green and Jessica NeJame Mentor: Gary Hawley

Net Zero: The Debate for a Definition
Interns: Kimmie Green and Jessica NeJame
Mentor: Gary Hawley
There is some controversy around the term net zero
energy that makes determining exactly what it means
more complicated than one might think. Simply put,
net zero energy requires a building to produce as much
energy from renewable sources as it consumes. The
controversy lies in determining where and how this
renewable energy can be generated and in particular,
whether or not a building can be considered net zero if
it still uses fossil fuels as an energy source. Each
organization may define net zero with a different goal
in mind.
For example, the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) defines net zero under four
separate categories: net zero site energy, net zero
source energy, net zero energy costs, and net zero emissions. Within these categories there is an option between
on-site or off-site energy generation. Ideally renewable energy is produced within the footprint of the building,
however where that is not possible the boundary may be expanded to include the entire property. Off-site
energy supply may include the use of renewable sources such as biomass (despite this process not being carbon
neutral). In some circumstances, the definition may also allow for the purchase of carbon offsets in lieu of onsite renewable energy generation.
Alternatively, the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) concisely defines net zero with a single
requirement: “One hundred percent of the project’s energy needs must be supplied by on-site renewable energy
on a net annual basis, without the use of on-site combustion.”
As there is no precise definition, the interpretation of net zero energy may change on a building to building
basis. Clearly, if the University of Vermont wants to become net zero energy, clarification is needed in order to
determine what the actual goal is.
The University of Vermont has consistently lead the charge of institutional-level environmental initiatives and
is looking to continue that legacy by becoming a net zero energy. This step helps to advance UVM’s Climate
Action Plan, which laid out a timeline to help the university reach climate neutrality by 2025. The effects of this
document are seen in many of the standards that are in place on campus today, as well as in UVM’s recognition
as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System) Gold Institution. The university is currently
working with the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation to determine what definition of net zero energy will
best fit the school’s needs and values. Factors such as the availability of land and funds will be important to
consider during this process, as a choice must be made whether to achieve net zero status through the direct use
of renewable energy technologies, the purchase of carbon credits, or in some other manner.
The Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) serves as a case study for this
process, as administrators look to make the Aiken Center, Bittersweet, Johnson House and the RSENR vehicle
fleet net zero energy, possibly as soon as the end of 2016.