A new standard, Net-zero Energy Building (NZEB), means the total amount of energy that is used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.
“In the United States alone, buildings account for almost 40 percent of national CO2 emissions and out – consume both the industrial and transportation sectors. LEED- certified buildings have 34 percent lower CO2 emissions. By 2018, green construction will account for more than 3.3 million U.S. jobs which is more than one-third of the entire U.S. construction sector, and generate $190.3 billion in labor earnings. The industries’ direct contribution to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is also expected to reach $303.5 billion from 2015-2018.” usgbc.org
