Governor Patrick discusses task force on Net Zero Buildings

Mass. governor Deval Patrick discussed the establishment of a task force on net zero energy buildings at the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's (NESEA) Building Energy Conference and Trade Show at the Seaport World Trade Center. The governor further thrilled the audience of 1,000 by saying that he would return to the NESEA's 34th annual event in 2009 to announce the recommendations of the task force. "Buildings that reduce their energy use by 40% are great, but that is simply not enough," the governor said. "We need to set our sights lower. Therefore I am establishing this task force on net zero energy buildings today and asking them to have their recommendations, including recommendations for construction finance, ready for announcement to you here at the Building Energy conference one year from today." Governor Patrick then called upon the conference participants to help him achieve his goal of net zero energy buildings. "Those of you in this room are the ones who can make this happen. You have what it takes to lead the energy revolution and my challenge to you is to help us get to zero. That is the least we can do!" Net zero energy buildings are buildings that produce as much energy as they consume and represent the cutting edge of environmentally responsible construction. These buildings utilize energy-efficient construction and renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, to reduce the buildings' carbon emissions and impact on the environment. To help spur the market for net zero energy buildings in the Northeast, the NESEA has developed a Net Zero Energy Building Award to recognize net zero energy buildings designed for the unique northeast climate. As an incentive for design/build teams, NESEA will award a $10,000 cash prize for the best building in the Northeast that can document net zero energy use while offering a high level of comfort, affordability and reliability. The Building Energy Conference and Trade Show featured over 150 speakers in dozens of sessions and workshops, plus an extensive trade show to address practical steps that energy and building practitioners, and the world at large, can take to improve quality of life while reducing energy costs and the impact of the built environment. The NESEA advances the practical application and adoption of sustainable and low-carbon energy practices in the Northeast U.S. NESEA accomplishes this through a number of ongoing programs and annual events.