A practical path to net zero at the building level—from baseline to execution to verification—without confusing marketing with reality.
"Net zero" is one of the most searched and most misunderstood topics in sustainability.
Most teams get stuck because:
This collection gives you a beginner-safe framework to: define net zero clearly, establish a credible baseline, prioritize measures in the correct order, execute projects with measurement and governance, and maintain performance over time.
At the building level, net zero usually means:
Your operational energy and emissions
Emissions as much as practical (operations → efficiency → electrification)
Remaining energy needs with renewables (onsite and/or procured)
Results with evidence and ongoing QA
Boundaries and limitations honestly
There are multiple net zero definitions. The first job is to choose yours and document it.
If you are new, do this in order:
Create a one-page Net Zero Definition + Baseline for one building:
That single step turns "net zero ambition" into an executable program. Start with the Net Zero Building Pathway (Core Guide).
Make your carbon data defensible: definitions, evidence rules, QA, change logs, and monthly close.
Reduce demand charges by controlling peaks, smoothing loads, and shifting flexible usage (beginner-friendly, not engineering advice).
Build a defensible kWh dataset (with billing dates + evidence) that doesn't collapse under scrutiny.
How to allocate emissions between landlords and tenants - methods, examples, and best practices.
Move from allocation to measurement: what to meter, where, and how to justify it.
Use these tools to move from "idea" to "numbers you can act on":
Quickly identify whether demand charges are a major driver (affects savings and project priority).
Estimate savings from reducing peak kW (helps justify controls, metering, storage).
Convert kWh to emissions using your chosen factor(s).
If renewables are part of your net zero approach, quantify how much of your consumption is actually matched.
These templates are designed to be copied directly into your operating trackers.
Net Zero Building Definition (Internal) For building [NAME], "net zero" means: - Boundary: [meters/fuels included] - Period: [annual, calendar year] - Emissions included: [Scope 1 fuels, refrigerants, Scope 2 electricity] - Tenant utilities: [included/excluded; method] - Reporting method: [location-based and/or market-based, if applicable] - Renewable approach: [onsite/offsite], evidence requirements - Residuals and offsets: [policy and disclosures]
| Building | Area | Period | Electricity (kWh) | Fuel (units) | Scope 2 (tCO2e) | Scope 1 (tCO2e) | EUI | Notes | Evidence links | |----------|-----:|--------|------------------:|-------------:|----------------:|----------------:|----:|-------|----------------|
| Measure | Type (Ops/Efficiency/Electrify/Renewables) | Expected impact | Cost | Effort | Risk | Owner | Next step | |---------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------|------|--------|------|-------|-----------|
| Project | Stage (Idea/Study/Approved/In progress/Complete) | Start | End | Expected savings | Measurement plan | Owner | Notes | |---------|--------------------------------------------------|-------|-----|------------------|------------------|-------|-------|
Choose the next pathway based on your current blocker:
If you don't have reliable utility data.
If demand charges are high or EV/electrification is coming.
If leased assets and tenant utilities dominate the boundary.
If you want monthly verification and audit readiness.
v1.0 (2026-01): Latest release