Aeroseal Applauds DOE’s New Net Zero Building Definition, Driving Forward Sustainable Building Practices

June 10, 2024

For the global buildings sector, establishing a standardized definition for what constitutes a net zero building has been a crucial next step to create industry alignment and drive action toward sustainable performance improvements. As the worldwide leader in innovative HVAC ductwork and building envelope sealing, Aeroseal fully supports the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) recently announced national definition of a zero emissions building, which aligns closely with our mission to reduce operational and embodied carbon emissions across residential and commercial buildings.

According to the DOE, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption, with up to 40% of that energy wasted due to leaky ductwork. Part I of the DOE’s net zero definition underscores the importance of reducing operational emissions for new and existing buildings — a goal that Aeroseal’s technology effectively and immediately achieves with a non-disruptive, cost-effective, and turnkey method for sealing leaks in HVAC systems and building envelopes.

"Aeroseal is positioned at the nexus of global initiatives addressing climate change. This includes enhancing building energy efficiency and indoor air quality while reducing reliance on fossil fuels to lower emissions and advance net zero goals,” said Maggie McCarey, Head of Policy & Market Development at Aeroseal. “Our solutions have the potential to act as a force multiplier amplifying crucial climate efforts, and we are eager to shepherd industry-wide acceptance of this new definition to encourage the use of advanced technologies and best practices to facilitate a net zero future."

The DOE’s definition provides clear guidance and sets high standards for energy efficiency and emissions reduction, specifying that a zero-emissions building must be highly energy-efficient, free of on-site emissions from energy use, and powered solely by clean energy sources. By sealing duct and envelope leaks, Aeroseal ensures that conditioned air reaches its intended destination — drastically reducing the use of HVAC systems and improving overall climate control and occupant comfort within buildings. With this in mind, Aeroseal’s technology seamlessly integrates with the DOE’s net zero criteria, significantly reducing buildings’ energy consumption, lowering utility bills, and minimizing their carbon footprint.

Beyond the operational efficiency and energy savings highlighted by the DOE, Aeroseal’s solutions also enhance indoor air quality — one of the most critical components of a healthy, sustainable building. It does this by preventing the spread of contaminants such as dust, mold, and allergens from infiltrating home and HVAC systems, which is crucial for creating a healthy environment for home and building occupants.