Learn how we are working to transform how we use and produce energy.
Guide: Best Practices for Achieving Zero Over Time for Building Portfolios
Why we share this work for free
RMI is an independent nonprofit working to accelerate the clean energy transition. We publish research like this to inform decision-makers and drive real-world impact.
Our work is supported by philanthropy as well as partnerships, including fee-for-service engagements. This support makes it possible for us to share our independent insights for free.
If you find this work valuable, you can support it anytime.
Get more insights like this
Stay up to date with the latest research, analysis, and tools from RMI by opting in to receive occasional emails below. You’ll get new reports, event invitations, and practical insights to help us all accelerate the clean energy transition.
Loading form...
Your download should start automatically. If it doesn’t, click the download button below.
This work is made possible by philanthropy
RMI is a nonprofit supported by donors and partners. Philanthropy enables us to produce independent research and make resources like this freely available.
If you find this report valuable, please consider supporting our work. You can also explore how we partner with organizations to drive impact.
Jump to Section
Why It Matters
Existing commercial buildings consume 36% of all electricity in the United States and are responsible for more than $190 billion in energy every year. Today, existing buildings globally are only receiving energy retrofits at a rate of around 1% per year, while a rate of around 3.2% per year is required to avoid irreversible climate change and hit the two degree Celsius increase target by 2040 (as laid out at COP21). The ZOT approach helps portfolio owners and managers right-time deep energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy storage projects with life-cycle event triggers for investment.
Authors
Matt Jungclaus
Cara Carmichael
Alisa Petersen
Related Insights
Ground Source, Grid Value: The Power-System Impacts of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
The Opportunity for Heat Pumps to Put Downward Pressure on Electricity Rates
Building Smarter, More Efficient Air Conditioners for Real World Conditions
Help build the clean energy future. Donate today.
Independent research. Real-world solutions. Supported by donors.
RMI can pursue the highest-impact climate and energy solutions because we’re supported by people who believe change is possible. Every gift helps advance the work needed to make clean energy the default choice worldwide.
And right now, your impact goes twice as far. Thanks to generous donors and our special match, every $1 you give becomes $2, up to $150,000, through December 31, 2026.
