Moving beyond ‘Better than Code’: New Market Transforming Zero Net Energy Aligned Residential New Construction Programs

摘要

Zero Net Energy (ZNE) goals necessitate a new paradigm for residential newrnconstruction efficiency programs. The traditional program framework provides incentives for therndifference in energy use between a designed building and a minimally code compliant building.rnIn most cases the assessment only includes certain portions of a building’s total energy use –rnthose regulated by building and appliance standards. Programs aligned with ZNE goals mustrnevolve their core metrics and methods such that all building end uses are addressed and energyrnefficiency is no longer measured by how far energy use is below the ceiling (code), but insteadrnhow close it is to the floor (zero net energy use). Additional care must be taken to maintainrnequity between climate zones with significantly varied heating and cooling demands. Finally, forrna program to have a powerful impact on the market it must be simple to implement and simple inrnwhich to participate.rnResidential new construction programs administered by the four investor-owned utilitiesrnin California have recently made this pivot with a groundbreaking program redesign effort forrn2014. The new program uses an adapted version of the CA HERS Index as the basis of itsrneligibility criteria and incentive scale, supplemented by incentive bonuses based on low totalrnenergy use.rnThis paper will discuss the analysis performed to determine this structure as well as otherrnbells and whistles included in the new program design.