The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has inaugurated a new 250-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power system donated by First Solar Inc., which will help power the historic Taliesin West campus. The commissioning marks the successful completion of the first phase of the Energizing Taliesin West™ initiative.

Geothermal systems can significantly reduce energy consumption in a traditionally built house, but when installed in conjunction with a tight thermal envelope, they can help a homeowner procure the coveted net zero energy label.

Many of the technologies needed to deliver zero energy buildings have already been developed. According to a report from Pike Research, over the next few decades, cost decreases in existing technologies and innovation in emerging technologies, driven by government regulations, will help make zero energy building more attainable.

NRG will help the new Santa Clara Stadium become the first professional football stadium to open with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and the first professional sports venue to achieve net zero energy performance in California during 49ers home games.

Walgreens has announced plans to build what the company believes will be the nation’s first net zero energy retail store, which engineers predict will produce energy equal to or greater than it consumes. 

Seattle's Bullitt Center, designed to become the world’s largest functioning, commercial Living Building — a facility certified to an international sustainable performance standard — is inviting the community to celebrate Earth Day with an grand opening event on April 22, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.