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In a "net zero energy cost building," the purchases and credits from imported and exported energy are a wash. It's a purely financial metric, driven largely by local utility rates. A "net zero energy emissions building" uses only emissions-free power sources, like wind or hydroelectric, or it buys offsets or credits to compensate for any carbon-emitting power it does buy. That doesn't make the building carbon neutral, which is a whole other story. For more on that, listen to the Energy:Minute titled "The Meaning of Zero."

The proposals launched today outline how those emissions can be reduced both on and off site, including through community scale low carbon heat production for district networks.

Non-domestic buildings often have greater potential for onsite renewables (e.g. more roof space) and to play a critical role in the viability of community heat or energy networks.