Undefining a Zero Emissions Building Harms Consumers, Wastes Energy, and Will Lead to Polluting Buildings

Washington, DC - Today, the Department of Energy rescinded its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building, which had been in place since June 2024and was intended to provide clear, certifiable criteria to designate clean buildings.

Under the guidance, buildings could be certified as "zero emissions" through a verification process by third-party, licensed contractors if they were deemed to be highly energy efficient, free of on-site emissions from energy use, and powered solely from clean energy. What constituted "highly efficient" varied based on whether it was an existing building or new construction. It was a voluntary standard.

In response, Sierra Club Clean Heat Campaign Deputy Director Amneh Minkara released the following statement:

"This decision by DOE to rescind the Zero Emissions Building definition is yet another move by the Trump administration that leaves consumers in the dark. This definition did not place any additional burden on builders or owners, but was a clear way to meet consumer demand for pollution-free buildings. Defining what makes a building 'zero emissions' gives consumers certainty that when builders or sellers say a building is clean that it actually meets a specific set of criteria. It also would reduce energy waste, at a time when energy demand is at an all-time high, and lead to lower utility bills. With all the rollbacks of energy efficiency standards and clean building guidelines, alongside soaring energy costs, Trump's Energy Department is creating an actual energy emergency."

###

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.