Zero Energy, Zero Carbon & Electrification: Possible and Happening

Zero net energy (ZNE) buildings — often referred to as net-zero buildings — are rapidly gaining momentum as a transformative approach to sustainable design. As states and school districts seek to reduce operational carbon emissions and long-term energy costs, electrification and high-performance building strategies are becoming central to the future of K–12 facilities. This session explores what net zero energy and electrification mean in the context of schools, why these outcomes are increasingly prioritized by state energy offices — with California leading nationally — and how zero energy performance is achievable across diverse climate zones. Through policy perspectives, technical expertise, and real-world case studies, the speakers examine the pathways, challenges, and successes associated with designing, building, and operating zero energy schools.