§17082 Zero Net Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative

Summary

Creates a program called the Zero‑Net‑Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative to cut energy use in U.S. commercial buildings and move them to no net greenhouse gas emissions. The Commercial Director must pick, within 180 days after December 19, 2007, a High‑Performance Green Building Consortium by competitive selection and sign an agreement with it, using the authority in section 7256(g) as much as practicable. The program must require cost sharing under section 16352. Definitions: Consortium = the selected High‑Performance Green Building Consortium. Initiative = the Zero‑Net‑Energy Commercial Buildings Initiative. Zero‑net‑energy commercial building = a high‑performance commercial building that uses much less energy, meets the rest from non‑greenhouse‑gas sources, results in no net greenhouse gas emissions, and is economically viable. The program will develop and share technologies, run research, pilot projects, training and public education, help set codes and policies, address builder/tenant incentive problems, and improve energy measurement. Goals: all new commercial buildings by 2030, 50% of stock by 2040, and all buildings by 2050. Funding authorized: $20,000,000 (2008); $50,000,000 each (2009–2010); $100,000,000 each (2011–2012); $200,000,000 each (2013–2018).