Green Building in the District

Green building is an approach to design, construction and operations that conserves resources while it protects human health. Green buildings use less energy, consume fewer natural resources such as water and forest products, and emit fewer pollutants into the environment. The District is a national leader in green building, which supports the vision set forth in the Sustainable DC Plan. By continually encouraging market transformation, funding research that promotes innovation, and collaborating with the community and private sector on best practices DC will remain a leader in protecting our planet.

Green Building Policy

Green Building Fund Grant Program

DOEE has created a Green Building Fund Grant Program to support innovative projects to “green” the built environment in the District. Grant projects include those that concentrate on research, data analysis, training, or engagement that help the District lead the way in enacting innovative policies that drive toward greater social, environmental, and economic sustainability for our city. Learn more about the Green Building Grant Program.

Net-Zero Energy Buildings

Net-Zero Energy (NZE) buildings generate as much energy as they consume, annually. These buildings minimize their greenhouse gas contributions, are cheaper to operate, provide healthier and more pleasant places to live, work and play, and will be increasingly important components of the District’s climate action plan. Clean Energy DC, the District’s detailed plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, calls for all new construction to achieve net-zero energy beginning in 2026. In light of this important goal, DOEE is committed to supporting projects pursuing NZE ahead of the statutory requirement.

Appendix Z of the 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code defines a net-zero energy building as “a highly energy-efficient building that produces on-site, or procures through the construction of new renewable energy generation, enough energy to meet or exceed the annual energy consumption of its operations.”

Local Resources

DC Net-Zero Energy Project Guide
Guidance for projects pursuing NZE design and construction.
DC Multifamily Guide
Guidance tailored to multifamily residential and mixed use projects pursuing NZE design and construction.
DC Integrated Design Charrette Toolkit
Guidance and resources for planning and hosting an integrated design charrette for a project pursuing NZE design and construction.
DMV NZE Coalition
This regional group of NZE experts from across the DC, MD and VA area compiles resources and organizes events to support the pursuit of NZE buildings across the region.
Building Innovation Hub
The Hub is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting high-performance buildings and their owners, designers and builders.
Clean Energy DC Plan
DC’s energy and climate action plan.
DC Construction Codes
- 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code
  - Appendix Z is DC’s NZE compliance pathway to the 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code, and it includes definitions for NZE commercial and multifamily buildings in DC.
- 2017 DC Green Construction Code
- 2017 DC Building Code
DOEE Energy Tips for Commercial Buildings

National Resources

ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides
The Achieving Zero Energy series provides guidance on NZE designs and construction for an expanding number of building types.
New Buildings Institute’s NZE resources
National experts on NZE projects compile national resources, tools, case studies and manage a project list.
International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy certification program
The Zero Energy certification program offers third party certification of NZE projects.
US Green Building Council’s LEED Zero certification program
The LEED Zero certification program offers third party verification of NZE and zero carbon projects.
DOE Zero Energy Buildings

Incentives and Financing

DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU)
Rebates, incentives, direct-installs, and technical assistance for energy retrofit projects on all building types. DCSEU also offers training, credentialing, and certification courses to District businesses to expand the local green workforce and local business opportunities.
DC Green Bank
The goal of the DC Green Bank is to accelerate energy efficiency improvements and the deployment of clean energy technology by leveraging private investment, removing up-front costs, and increasing the efficiency of public dollars.
DC PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing
Affordable, long-term funding for building upgrades and new construction that reduces utility bills and operating costs. Projects can receive up to 100% financing with no upfront costs to cover energy, water, and stormwater upgrades.
DOEE Green Building Innovation Assistance Grant Program
Grant funding for innovative strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of the built environment in the District and increase industry knowledge and capacity to design, construct, and operate high-performing buildings.
Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator
Enhanced technical and financial assistance to owners and managers of qualifying affordable multifamily buildings that do not meet the District’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS).
DCRA Net-Zero Energy Program
Permitting assistance for projects pursuing net-zero energy.
DOEE RiverSmart
Financial incentives to help District property owners install green infrastructure such as rain barrels, green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavers, shade trees, and more.

Case Studies

3450 Eads St NE - feasibility study, multifamily affordable housing
1 Hawaii Ave NE - feasibility study, multifamily affordable housing
Case studies posted by the NZE Coalition
- Discovery Elementary – elementary school in Arlington, VA, completed 2018
- HITT Co|Lab - new construction office in Falls Church, VA, completed 2019
- American Geophysical Union Building – office renovation in Washington, DC, completed 2020
- Harrison Street Home – single family home, Washington, DC, completed 2016

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