In a landmark initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration has released the draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building, setting a transformative standard for the construction sector. This comprehensive definition targets all new buildings not owned by the federal government, stipulating that they must achieve high energy efficiency (in the 75th percentile or above), eliminate on-site emissions, and be powered by clean energy sources.

This move is part of a broader effort to mitigate climate change impacts by ensuring that the future of construction aligns with environmental sustainability goals. The definition is poised to serve as a critical framework for both new constructions and existing buildings, aiming for a measurable reduction in operating emissions across the board.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has expressed strong support for this initiative. 2024 AIA President Kimberly Dowdell commented on the significance of a standardized national definition, noting the active participation of AIA members in the development process and their commitment to continue providing input. The AIA's endorsement underscores the industry's readiness to embrace and implement these standards, which are already in alignment with global sustainability trends in countries like Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom.

“A national definition that can be applied consistently and is standardized for new construction and existing buildings will serve as a framework for the industry, so that users, such as architects, can achieve measurable reduction in the operating emissions for buildings – both new and existing. AIA members have been providing input to the Administration through the development of the definition and will continue to do so as this process moves forward,” 2024 AIA President Kimberly Dowdell says of the action.

A group of 69 different AEC firms has also signed on to a letter urging the standard to be adopted in January. Sweden, France, and other countries in the EU already have some version of one. The United Kingdom is also pursuing its own zero emissions definition. An RFI for Part 2 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building is expected to follow soon.