[3] How to Meet the 2030 Challenge

1. Design Strategies (The largest energy reductions can be achieved through design.

2. Technologies and Systems (Including on-site renewable energy systems).

3. Off-Site Renewable Energy (20% maximum).

The 2030 Challenge allows for 20% of the required reduction to come from purchasing renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits. However, Architecture 2030 encourages utility renewable energy and/or renewable energy credits for the remainder of a project’s power needs.

The 2030 Challenge advocates for “carbon-neutral” buildings by 2030, which is not to be confused with “net zero energy” buildings.

The 2030 Challenge targets are for the year of a project’s completion, not the year that the project begins initial design.