STRUCTURE + APPLICABILITY
STRUCTURE
The Zero Energy Certification requirements reflect a simple concept of a project living within the carrying capacity of a site, utilizing only the energy resources available locally. The certification scope follows this idea by measuring only the energy consumed and produced within the Project Boundary. Project teams are not required to account for the additional complexities or losses associated with the regional energy infrastructure beyond the site.
Achievement of the Zero Energy Certification (ZE) requirements requires project teams to follow three key strategies:
Reduce operational energy use through design optimization, reduction of thermal demands, and the selection of highly efficient building systems and equipment;
Decarbonize all energy systems in the building through the elimination of combustion for all uses, such as heating, cooling, food preparation, and process demands; and
Offset all energy use associated with the project through the production of renewable energy, only after investments have been made in energy demand reduction.
APPLICABILITY
The requirements of ZE can be applied to almost every conceivable building project, of any scale and in any location, be it a new building or an existing structure needing renovation. Zero Energy projects can be built in any climate zone anywhere in the world—as evidenced by the unique array of projects already certified or currently underway in many countries around the globe.
REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
REGISTER A PROJECT
The first step to becoming eligible for ILFI certification is registering a project. Once a project is registered, it is then assigned an ILFI project coach who can help answer questions during the project design and construction phases. Note that the date of registration date is important as a project is held to the requirements published in the Program Manual at the date of its registration.
Information about the registration process and fees can be found on the ILFI website and in a detailed description of the registration and certification processes that can be found here.
Multiple Buildings
ILFI certifications can benefit clients working at scale, whether that means replicating multiple buildings in a single development project or considering a portfolio of several projects over time. With multiple buildings, there is opportunity to create efficiencies within the certification process. ILFI is open to working with project teams to define an appropriate certification scope and process.
Project teams interested in learning more about certifying multiple buildings or working on the portfolio scale are encouraged to contact special.projects@living-future.org.
CERTIFICATION
The certification process involves two audits, the Ready Audit and the Final Audit. The Ready Audit takes place upon completion of project construction and after submission of all required documentation. A successful Ready Audit results in a “Ready” designation that may be used by the project team to highlight progress toward the intended certification. The Final Audit occurs after completion of a 12-month performance period with continuous occupancy and submission of all required documentation, including performance data. The Final Audit results in a Final Certification Ruling.
The Documentation Requirements in the Compliance Detail sections of this Program Manual identify the documentation required for each of the two audits.
More detailed information on the certification process is available here.
