American University achieved carbon neutrality in 2018 and is now moving to further advance our sustainability goals by adding what is expected to become its first Net Zero Energy building to the campus portfolio.  

“What will make this accomplishment even more monumental is the fact that, according to the World Green Building Council, there currently are only 500 Net Zero commercial buildings in the entire world,” said David Osborne, Director of Energy and Engineering.

On March 1, American University officially broke ground on the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance. Designed to be a Net Zero Energy-certified building, and the nation’s first Net Zero athletics center, the Meltzer Center will utilize a ground source heat pump (also called geothermal) system for heating and cooling and solar panels for electricity. To monitor energy use, sustainability metrics will be displayed at the building entrance. 

So, what is carbon neutrality and how is it different from Net Zero building? 

Carbon neutrality is achieved by either eliminating all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operations or by minimizing GHG emissions and using carbon offsets to cover or balance the remaining emissions. AU reached carbon neutrality by increasing efficiency and reducing emissions, using renewable energy, and procuring offsets for the remaining emissions. AU includes emissions from all operations across campus in our greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, not just energy use. Campus heating and cooling, electricity use, transportation related to campus activities, landfill emissions from waste generated on campus, commuting, and several additional categories are all included in AU’s GHG emissions inventory.  

“Carbon neutrality was an important milestone for AU and our community continues to expand our sustainability work. Designing a Net Zero Energy building brings together our focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy’ and the importance of engaging our community to make sustainability choices.” said Megan Litke, Director of Sustainability. 

A Net Zero Energy building (sometimes called a Zero Energy building) produces at least as much energy as it uses. Net Zero Energy buildings produce energy using renewable sources and do not contribute to GHG emissions. Net Zero Energy building recognition does not take into account emissions that might come from waste, transportation, or other non-energy sources. Architects and engineers focus on maximizing building efficiency when designing a net zero energy building.  

People who live and work in one of these buildings are encouraged to be aware of how much energy they use. Efforts also should be made to ensure that Energy Star products are used, electronics are unplugged when not in use, and electricity is not used unnecessarily.  

To achieve Net Zero Energy certification from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the Energy and Engineering team will have to produce one year of data demonstrating that the Meltzer Center has not used more energy than it produced over the course of one year. 

"Once the Meltzer Center is completed, the Energy and Engineering team looks forward to hitting the ground running by working with the building’s occupants to achieve our first Net Zero building certification," said Tiffany Trang, Utilities Program Outreach Leader.