Goals+Statement+-+Net+Zero

Business Energy Action Challenge
(or steps to getting to Net-zero)

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility launched the Business Energy Action BEA is not just for VBSR Members! It is an energy challenge for ANY and ALL Vermont businesses.

The Challenge: Reduce your energy consumption by a target of 5% annually for 3 years. @http://vbsr.org/business_energy_action/

The Rubenstein School is in the process of signing up for the Challenge, which could then form the central focus of the groups activity. What is our current energy usage and how can we reduce different components of the total in order to yield a net 5% annual reduction.

What is Net-zero
Possible definitions

-meeting or exceeding the current usage of electricity and heat, to offset fossil fuel sources using renewable and efficient energy sources and various loss prevention tecniques.


 * Minimizing energy consumption: maximizing building envelope performance, using passive solar energy and daylight, high efficiency lighting fixtures and appliances
 * Using integrated on-site renewable energy systems: photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, ground/air source heat pumps, mini-wind turbines

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Links to others Net-zero work and ideas

Our operational definition of Net-zero
What energy components we should aim for Possible components Major/important components

From the above report, these components of NZEB need to be addressed.
 * Unit of balance
 * Balancing period
 * Type of energy use included
 * Requirements on energy efficiency
 * Renewable energy options
 * Requirements on indoor climate
 * Specific requirements for renovation

Net-zero Goal for the Aiken Center
Goal statement Analysis needed for each selected energy component

Goal for the Spring 2013 Group
Inventory of selected energy components

Needed data to identify: Reductions Efficiencies Compensatory Production